Police ready to evict park yobs

Officers prepared for any repeat of violence at weekend:

Police used special powers to evict yobs after a bottle attack and other violent scenes in and around Bath’s Royal Victoria Park.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they used the drastic measures known as dispersal orders on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday “after a number of incidents” of anti-social behaviour and violence – and warned they could use them again this weekend.

The powers allow police to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave a designated area.

And they were imposed after police said they were called to a gathering “of approximately 150 youths reportedly engaging in antisocial behaviour near the Royal Crescent” at about 9pm on Friday, September 10.

Around an hour later police received a call from a member of the public about a 16-year-old male “who had been assaulted with a bottle in the Queens Parade area”.

He attended hospital for treatment but has since been discharged, say police.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson added: “We received further reports of a number of other assaults in Royal Crescent and Southgate Street, into the early hours of Saturday 11 September.

“A dispersal order was put in place covering Bath city centre from on Friday night and Royal Victoria Park on Saturday to help officers deal with the issues.”

Investigations into the violent scenes are ongoing and police said they are keeping an open mind as to whether some or all of the incidents are linked.

Neighbourhood Inspector Ruth Gawler said: “We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and violent acts like those witnessed on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday morning.

“A dispersal notice was issued to provide officers with additional powers to remove people from the area.

“We’d like to reassure the public we’re fully aware of these incidents and work to identify those responsible is continuing and the will be dealt with robustly.”

She added: “We’re also busy preparing proactive policing plans for next weekend to help prevent a repeat of these unacceptable issues.”

Anyone who witnessed incidents last weekend, especially if they have CCTV or mobile phone footage, are asked to contact the Bath neighbourhood team online or PC 3730 Norris by calling 101.

Police are also keen to hear from any other victims who have not at this time reported the matter to the police.

❝ We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and violent acts like those witnessed on Friday night Neighbourhood Inspector Ruth Gawler