Police investigate links to string of attacks and thefts
POLICE have released more information about “a series of robberies and assaults” in the Fleet and Farnborough areas as reported in last week’s News & Mail.
The first incident took place on Wednesday October 28, where two 17-year-old boys were assaulted during a robbery in Farnborough.
Police said a group of friends had parked in the Sulzer roundabout car park when they were approached by four males at around 10.30pm.
Each suspect is described as wearing grey jogging bottoms and black coats, police said. Three of them were wearing blue surgical masks.
The suspects reportedly threatened the group before assaulting the two victims, and one threw an item at the windscreen of the victim’s car.
A blue XR iPhone was stolen along with a black leather wallet containing bank cards.
Three young people were then assaulted and robbed on Friday October 30, with one sustaining a stab wound to his upper arm.
Police said the incident took place between 6.15pm and 7.15pm after a group of young people had left Farnborough North Railway Station.
Two of the victims, aged 19 and 20, were walking ahead of the group in Ship Lane, near the junction with Highgate Lane. Police said they were approached by six to eight men who are described as wearing dark clothing and face coverings. Both victims were reportedly assaulted. One had his Gucci body warmer and black baseball cap stolen.
Another victim, aged 20, approached the suspects and was assaulted and knocked to the ground. He sustained a puncture wound to his upper arm, however the injury is not life-threatening.
Two of the victims attended hospital for treatment, police say.
Three people were arrested in connection with this incident, including a 19-year-old man from Basingstoke, a 15-year-old boy from Farnborough and a 20-year-old man from Aldershot. All have been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.
Three young teenagers were assaulted in Church Crookham during the third incident at around 8pm on Saturday October 31 at Peter Driver Sports Field, in Bourley Road.
A group of young people were inside the five-a-side football cage in the playing field when they were approached by approximately six to eight teens aged around 16 to 18, who are described as wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.
One of the suspects reportedly punched a 14-year-old boy, causing him to lose consciousness. He was taken to hospital for treatment but has since been discharged.
Another victim, a 13-year-old boy, was sitting inside the cage when he was approached by three of the suspects. Police said he was assaulted but managed to run away.
After leaving the sports field another 14-year-old boy was approached by the suspects in Beacon Hill Road and they demanded his money, bag and belt.
The victim was reportedly punched when he refused. A suspect then showed the victim a knife, but he managed to push the suspect away and ran, police said.
The fourth and final incident took place on Saturday October 31, where a teenager was assaulted at Fleet Pond between 10pm and 10.30pm.
Police said the victim was with friends when a group of around eight youths, wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, approached and assaulted him. They said the assault resulted in the 16-year-old boy requiring surgery for facial injuries.
Two 17 year old boys from Fleet were arrested in connection with this incident but both were released on conditional bail while police enquiries continue.
Hampshire Constabulary believes these robberies and serious assaults may be linked. A spokesman said: “Each report states a group of between four to eight young men approached young victims, assaulted them and demanded they hand over valuables. Local neighbourhood officers have increased patrols in the area.
“If you’re concerned or have information that could help us identify those involved, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information, CCTV footage, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage, is asked to call police, quoting 44200419278 for the first incident, 44200422078 for the second, 44200423023 for the third and 44200423226 for the fourth.
Alternatively, report information anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk online