Police arrest 14-year-old boy for alleged racist assault and weapon offences after disturbances in New Milton

A SPATE of anti-social behaviour in New Milton led to a 14-year-old boy’s arrest for alleged racist assault and harassment, and an offensive weapon offence.

Police have been investigating a series of disturbances on Station Road and nearby areas in the town centre – reportedly involving youngsters – since mid-September.

These included two vandalism attacks at the Domino’s on Station Road.

An air conditioning unit was damaged on 14th September, before a pizza delivery box on a moped was vandalised on 26th.

The previous day, a shoplifter was said to have targeted Morrisons Daily on Avenue Road, stealing Fanta and other items.

Officers arrested the 14-year-old, from Lymington, on Sunday on suspicion of racially/religiously aggravated harassment with fear of violence, racially/religiously aggravated common assault/beating, criminal damage, aiding/abetting the possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and theft from a vehicle (other than a motor vehicle).

He was later released on conditional bail, pending further enquiries.

This came after a 15-year-old boy, also from Lymington, was questioned in connection with the disturbances and released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Posting online, officers highlighted the presence of CCTV around the town centre, and also warned dispersal orders could be imposed.

Acting Sgt Chapman, of the New Milton neighbourhood policing team, said: “I want to reassure members of the public that we are aware of these incidents, as well as the identity of some of those suspected of being involved.

“We'd like to remind any young people suspected of being involved in ASB or criminality that the areas described above are well covered by CCTV which, along with other enquiries, will always be reviewed following any reports being made to us.

“We will continue to deal robustly with any further incidents of this nature reported to us, and patrols have been increased in the areas concerned.

“Consideration has [been] given to dispersal orders in areas of continued ASB.”

Residents were also urged to continue reporting any incidents to the police.

Those with information about such incidents should get in touch online at hampshire.police.uk or call 101.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.