Newark officers arrest trio after town centre violence

Police have arrested three suspects following a spate of violent disorder across Newark town centre.

Officers received numerous calls after a series of offences took place one after the other on Bonfire Night.

A man in his twenties was walking through the market square when three people ran up behind him and punched him.

This assault took place around 4.50pm on Tuesday (5 November), with the victim visiting hospital for treatment as a result.

Separate calls came in around the same time suggesting the group had also been threatening others in the vicinity with a weapon.

One man reportedly had a knife pulled out on him in Carter Gate, while other passersby were confronted and threatened by the group.

This came days after a man in his late sixties was pushed over and had a kick aimed at his head – again close to the town’s market square.  

A cyclist wearing a balaclava reportedly carried out the attack on 25 October, before then pushing a woman who tried to step in and help.

Police investigating each of these incidents have now detained three suspects, with an officer being assaulted while arresting one of them.   

A 17-year-old boy suspected of being involved in the 25 October and 5 November incidents was arrested on suspicion of assault, affray, and assaulting an emergency worker.

Two more people – another 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man – have both been arrested on suspicion of assault and affray.

The man was additionally arrested on suspicion of threatening a person with a bladed article.

Inspector Charlotte Ellam, district commander for Newark and Sherwood, said:

“There is absolutely no place in our communities for the violence, disorder and intimidating behaviour shown in these incidents.

“It really shouldn’t need me to tell people how unacceptable this is but anyone who does behave in this manner needs to know it won’t be tolerated by our neighbourhood policing team.    

“Anyone who is found to have assaulted or threatened someone – especially while they are carrying a weapon – should expect to find themselves in a lot of trouble.   

“We’re absolutely committed to doing everything in our power to try and eradicate this type of conduct and other forms of antisocial behaviour from Newark town centre and the wider area.

“While we’re pleased to have arrested three suspects in connection with these incidents, our inquiries are still ongoing, so we’d ask anyone who does have any further information to continue to share it with us.

“We’d also ask anyone who has any concerns about crime in their area to call us on 101, so that we can take action.”