‘I’m in shock, definitely’: Grim aftermath of night of violent clashes in city
SUNDAY’S SHOPPERS GREETED BY HUGE CORDON AND HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE
SHOCKED shoppers said they were concerned about the safety of the city centre yesterday as the people of Nottingham confronted the aftermath of a night of violence.
Several streets were taped off and there was a heavy police presence as officers investigated in Lower Parliament Street yesterday morning after reports of street fights and assaults in the early hours.
The force confirmed that eight people had been arrested.
Two people were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or altering.
A number of streets were cordoned off, including Clinton Street East and Clinton Street West, along with part of the footpath alongside Lower Parliament Street opposite the Victoria shopping centre. Police community support officers diverted shoppers to Clumber Street.
Among those dismayed by the scene were Connor Wood, 26, a software engineer based in the Lace Market.
He said: “It is just awful. The fact that it is somewhere open, as well, where a lot of people walk by everyday.
“I am in shock, definitely. You do not see a cordon this big around here often. It is just horrible.
“I just hope that all the people injured are OK.
“I live in the Lace Market and what I can say is that you do not get the most savoury of characters around here.
“Not that I would be outside at the time when that incident happened anyway, but this area is a bit dangerous.”
Two students walking by the cordoned off area said they had “never seen anything like this”.
Erin Fone, a second-year student at Nottingham Trent University, said: “It is just so sad and concerning at the same time. I just do not feel safe when I see things like that.”
The 19-year-old, from The Park, added: “I have seen police cordons before in Nottingham – but never like this.” Her friend, Eve Bradley, a second-year student at the University of Nottingham, said: “That scares me a lot. And the fact they arrested eight people. It is shocking.”
The 20-year-old, who lives near Nottingham Castle, added: “This is the biggest cordon I have ever seen around here.”
Calls have been made by people in the area for more police patrols in the city centre.
Carl Davis, a bookseller who works in the city centre, was walking towards Clinton Street East when he was stopped by a police officer. Seeing the cordon, he said: “I feel like police are doing the best that they can to keep the city safe, but there should be more officers out.
“The fact they already have eight people arrested shows they are doing a good job.”
The 46-year-old, from Ashfield, added: “It is about the politicians and government that should fund the police and local services to keep this city safe.”
Two men, aged 19 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of affray, possessing a bladed article and causing grievous bodily harm.
A woman, aged 18, and five other men, aged 19 , 20, 23 , 27 and 42, were also arrested on suspicion of affray.
Detective Inspector Stuart Temple, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Officers worked very quickly to attend the incidents and arrest potential suspects after this largescale disorder which left two men injured.
“Carrying weapons and causing
You do not see a cordon this big around here often. It is just horrible
Connor Wood, of the Lace Market
this type of disruption is absolutely unacceptable and reports of this will always elicit a swift police response.
“We do believe that this incident involves people who were in some way known to each other and that there is no wider risk to the public. However, officers will continue to be in the area to offer reassurance and speak to anyone with concerns.
“The majority of people simply want to enjoy their night out and we are committed to ensuring Nottingham remains the safe and enjoyable place that it is to do this.
“A scene remains in place whilst officers continue their enquiries and we would encourage anyone with information, or who witnessed the incident, to get in touch on 101, quoting incident 125 of December 5, 2021.”