ARRESTS AS VIOLENCE FLARES IN CLEETHORPES
ARRESTS AND BANNING ORDERS IN PLACE AS VIOLENCE FLARES IN RESORT
RESIDENTS and traders have complained at the surge in violence and antisocial behaviour over the second weekend since lockdown rules were lifted in Cleethorpes.
Bars and restaurants reopened on July 4, but on Sunday morning, blood stained the pavement of Cleethorpes High Street and residents told of the frequent fights breaking out in the early hours.
Humberside Police revealed there were three arrests in North East Lincolnshire over the weekend and eight people received banning orders.
Residents living along Cleethorpes High Street awoke on Monday to a police cordon and large pool of blood outside AA Taxis following an altercation.
Josh Baxter said he was disturbed at around 1am by two women shouting at his neighbour. A first floor window was broken and later police sealed off an area outside the upstairs flat.
“But the trouble started across the road earlier with two women shouting and then they crossed the road and began shouting more at this lad,” he said.
Josh, who lives on the first floor, added: “There were two men in Chicago Burger and then they got involved in a fight with one guy.
“It was difficult to see what was going on down below my flat. But I could hear the shouting. It went on for about 10 to 15 minutes. Armed police turned up and it all fizzled out after that.
“I didn’t realise how serious it was until I came down to go to work this morning and saw all the blood on the street.”
The resident said: “I have lived in Cleethorpes for 17 years and spent the past year living in this flat because it is near work. But I want to leave. Friday and Saturday nights you just don’t want to go out.”
A nearby trader said: “It is not very nice to see. But what do you expect now that the pubs are open again? We are having to sweep up every morning when we come to work.”
A member of staff at AA Taxis said an ambulance had taken a man to hospital following a disturbance.
“The cordon was in place until about 8.30am and then the police left,” she said.
Another trader said he saw a man with a heavily bandaged head being taken home to his flat on the High Street.
A dog walker said: “For weeks I have been able to bring the dog for walks along here. But now that the pubs are open there is broken glass back on the streets.”
Assistant Chief Constable of Humberside Police, Paul Anderson said: “More people are now taking advantage of the lockdown restrictions being eased and, as we anticipated, our town and city centres were busier than they have been in recent weeks. “Once again this weekend, the majority of people were simply out to have fun and see friends and we quickly dealt with anyone whose behaviour wasn’t appropriate.”