Police have made five more arrests after a confrontation between two groups saw weapons wielded in Nottingham city centre.
The incident – in full view of members of the public – happened outside the Council House in Old Market Square at around 6.15pm on Sunday (16 November).
A rapid and robust investigation to identify those responsible, including an extensive CCTV search and public appeal for information, has now resulted in seven arrests.
Five of those arrests were made last night (20 November) and include an:
- 18-year-old man arrested on suspicion of violent disorder
- 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, possession of a bladed article in a public place and possession of an offensive weapon
- 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of violent disorder
- 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, possession of a bladed article in a public place and possession of an offensive weapon
- 15-year-old girl arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, possession of a bladed article in a public place and possession of an offensive weapon
A 14-year-old boy and 23-year-old man were arrested on Wednesday. They have been released on police bail with stringent conditions, including not to enter the city centre, while investigations continue.
A number of properties have been searched as part of the investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Suk Verma, who pledged earlier this week that the net was closing in on the culprits, said:
“Yesterday, I promised the public that we would be utterly relentless in our pursuit of further arrests of offenders linked to the mindless and unacceptable criminal activity in our city centre last Sunday evening.
“Overnight, our officers have arrested five further individuals, bringing the total arrests up to seven.
“I hope this proactive approach provides reassurance to the public, that we will not tolerate such behaviour, and the streets belong to the law-abiding communities, who make Nottingham such a wonderful and vibrant city.
“Some of these arrests were as a result of the public supporting our appeal which I very much welcome, whilst others were from our neighbourhood officers proactively gathering evidence through routine patrols. This is a core element of the neighbourhood policing strategy.
“But our work is not done. Over the next few weeks, you will see an increased presence and the purpose is two-fold. That is to reassure the public, and take a zero-tolerance approach with anyone who feels that the law is not applicable to them.
“Finally, there have been no further incidents, which is testament to our response together with partners, and we want communities to enjoy the festivities within the city this winter.”
ACC Suk Verma
Whilst the investigation continues to make good progress, ACC Verma acknowledged the incident had caused alarm.
As such, yesterday it was announced that high-visibility patrols were being stepped up in Nottingham city centre so people can enjoy what the city has to offer and feel safe.
Our teams continue to be present – both visibly and discreetly – as part of an ongoing operation to combat antisocial behaviour and knife crime.
As well as patrols by the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, armed officers are also being deployed as reassurance to the public that we are there should anyone need us. We would like to stress that this is as a contingency and not in relation to any specific intelligence.
Trained security officers are also present at the Winter Wonderland site, with My Local Bobby officers from It’s in Nottingham carrying out foot patrols alongside Nottingham City Council’s Neighbourhood Support Officers.
ACC Verma said:
“Nottingham belongs to us all. It is our city, and we will not tolerate or stand for any behaviour that detracts from our communities being able to enjoy the wonderful retail, working or entertainment facilities.
“The behaviour of a small minority of pathetic individuals will not win.”
