We have now made five arrests following affray in Metheringham playing fields

Update, 4pm 12 July:

We have arrested another youth in connection with this incident. The 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, and has been released on bail while our enquiries continue.

*Please note that all five of the people arrested have been released on bail, including a 15-year-old boy previously reported to have been released under investigation. 

 

Update, 10.24am 5 July:

We have made a further arrest in connection with an incident of violent disorder in Metheringham on 2 July. The 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and has been released on bail.

Our investigations continue and we would still encourage anyone with footage or information about the incident or those involved to come forward.

 

Original release 4.27pm, 4 July:

We are investigating an affray following reports that a large group of youths were involved in violent disorder at the playing fields in Metheringham this weekend.

The incident included two boys with what appeared to be blades as well as punches and kicks being thrown between several people, and took place at around 3.30pm on Saturday 2 July in the public space.

We are treating this as a priority and have made three arrests so far.

We believe this was an isolated and planned incident involving people who knew each other, but we know that it will be concerning for people living in the village.

Inspector Rachel Blackwell, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a very serious incident and we understand that there will be people who feel frightened by what they may have heard, witnessed, or seen on social media. Local residents may notice an increased policing presence in the coming days as we work hard to identify and deal with those involved that haven’t yet been, and more importantly to reassure the community that we are taking robust action. 

"Our communities have the right to visit a play park in the middle of the day without the fear that they would witness such violent and frightening behaviour. There were young children and families at the park at the time of the incident, and we would like to reassure them, and anyone else who feels worried about this incident, that we are giving this our full attention."

We have arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of public order offences and have been released on bail which our enquiries continue. We have also arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of violent disorder. He has been released on bail.

We know that there were lots of people there who saw and possibly filmed the incident, and we would appeal to them to come forward and share that footage or information they may have. This will help police to collate the full picture.

There are a number of ways to get in touch:

• By calling 101 quoting incident 287 of 2 July.
• By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 287 of 2 July in the subject line.
• If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.