48-hour dispersal order introduced after reports of youths ‘throwing fireworks’ in Arnold town centre

A 48-hour dispersal order has been put in place after reports of youths throwing fireworks in Arnold town centre.

The dispersal order comes into force from from 5pm today (October 29).

Police officers and neighbourhood wardens from Gedling Borough Council will be on patrol in the area to enforce the order and there will be an increased CCTV operator coverage during the 48-hour period.

It means police officers and community support officers can direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area for up to 48 hours. 

Furthermore, if they return to the specified area after being moved on they can be arrested.

Areas covered by the order include: High Street, Front Street, Croft Road, Hallam’s Lane and Arnot Hill Road.

The order follows seven reports of incidents of fireworks being thrown in Arnold town centre last night. It was reported that fireworks were let off around vehicles including buses and around pedestrians. Thankfully no reports were received of any injuries.

Inspector Chris Pearson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are investigating all of these reports which we are taking very seriously and I can assure people that we will be taking robust action against those who were involved.

“Anti-social behaviour such as this is totally unacceptable and won’t be tolerated. Fireworks can cause serious, lasting damage to people and property. Throwing fireworks is extremely dangerous and could easily lead to serious injury or worse if someone gets hit by one.

“Our extensive enquiries are ongoing, including officers trawling through CCTV footage and speaking to local businesses. We will also be investigating where these fireworks were sourced from.

“Nottinghamshire Police and Gedling Borough Council are committed to reducing anti-social behaviour in our local communities and taking action against anyone engaging in criminal behaviour.

“As well as increasing our patrols, we have now taken extra steps to reduce the likelihood of further crime or disorder happening in the town centre area.

“The dispersal order means that police officers and wardens will be able to move on anyone in the area who is causing problems or who they feel is likely to cause crime or disorder. Any non-compliance could lead to arrest.

“I would also like to remind people that fines can also be issued for those flouting Coronavirus legislation, as groups of more than six should not gather.

“I’d urge parents to be vigilant and to check on where their children as well as educating them of the dangers of fireworks and also the importance of conducting themselves in the correct manner regarding the current government legislation around the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke, said: “We fully support this intervention from our colleagues at Nottinghamshire Police and we will be with them over the next few days to ensure that this anti-social behaviour is dealt with.

“The actions by these individuals could have seriously injured somebody or worse and we will not tolerate it on our streets. Our Neighbourhood Wardens will be side by side with the police on their patrols and our CCTV operators will be manning the station and supporting officers on the ground. We want to reassure residents that we will make no hesitation in prosecuting anyone who is causing trouble on our streets.”

* Yesterday police swiftly arrested a boy who allegedly took items from the Asda store in Front Street and punched a security guard in the face who confronted him as he tried to flee the scene.

Police quickly attended at around 5pm and arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of robbery and possession of drugs after what are thought to be Class A drugs were recovered from the scene.

The security guard suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

This boy is believed to have been associating with the group of youths involve in last night’s anti-social behaviour in the town centre. He remains in custody.

If you have any information or witnessed the incident, please do not hesitate to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 484 of 28 October 2020.