2 teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of a string of offences including violent disorder and assault following trouble in Newport on Saturday night, with the older teen also suspected of possessing Class A and Class B drugs.
As first reported by Island Echo, a significant Police response was seen in Newport after an under-18s club night at Strings Bar and Venue was brought to an early end amid reports of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and violence towards security staff.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary says it received a report of disorder at around 21:00 last night (Saturday). Then, just 11 minutes later, Police received a further report of a group of teenagers behaving anti-socially at Newport Bus Station.
Officers attended and, following enquiries, 2 teenagers were arrested.
It has been confirmed that a 15-year-old boy from Ventnor was arrested on suspicion of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress, violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. He was subsequently further arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled Class A and Class B drugs.
A 14-year-old boy from Ryde was arrested on suspicion of common assault and violent disorder.
Both boys have been bailed with conditions until 8th November.
Saturday night’s fundraising event had been organised by parents in partnership with Strings to raise money for local Scouts preparing for an international expedition to the USA next year. The alcohol-free event, intended for teenagers aged between 13 and 17, was cut short after a minority reportedly damaged the venue, smoked in the toilets and became violent towards security staff.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Strings has said:
“On Saturday 8th August, Strings Bar & Venue was forced to bring an early close to an under-18s club night following a serious escalation of anti-social behaviour at a fundraiser for local scouts.
“The event operated on a strict dry-bar policy, with no alcohol served on the premises at any point. Despite this, a significant number of young people attending had consumed alcohol prior to arrival and repeated attempts were made throughout the evening by large groups to leave the venue and re-enter while seeking off-site consumption.
“In the interest of safety, a decision was taken to prevent this repeated exit-and-re-entry, which was not compatible with the safe running of the event. In response, a group of attendees became aggressive and attempted to force entry into the venue. As a result, the decision was made to stop the music and end the event early.
“Following this, a number of individuals became abusive and physically aggressive towards venue staff. Police were called to the scene to assist with dispersing those involved in the disorder.
“We recognise that the majority of young people in attendance were behaving appropriately and simply wished to enjoy the event, and we regret that their evening was cut short as a result of the actions of a minority. The safety of our staff and guests remains our first priority, and we will not tolerate aggressive or abusive behaviour towards our team under any circumstances.
“We are cooperating with the police regarding the incident and as the matter is now subject to police involvement, we are not able to comment further on the specific details at this time.
“We would like to thank the majority of attendees who behaved appropriately throughout the evening and we apologise for the early end to the event.”
Police say enquiries into the incidents remain ongoing.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is being asked to contact Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101, quoting 44260384000.
Feral inbred Wighters again !
Absolutely disgusting. Feral. Dragged up by their parents and no surprise as to where they’re from. Class A’s at a children’s event? Lock him up. Clearly not a very bright future, probably best kept away from the public.