Four boys aged 14 and 15 arrested after assault on New Milton recreation ground

FOUR teenagers were arrested after an assault among a group of youths in New Milton, reportedly involving a knife.

Police launched an investigation after the incident on the recreation ground, off Whitefield Road, last Thursday – two months after the force voiced concerns about increasing violence among youngsters in the town.

They arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, both from Bournemouth, on suspicion of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, possessing a knife in a public place, threatening a person with a weapon and making threats to kill.

Both were released on conditional police bail until 14th July.

A 15-year-old boy from Ringwood was arrested on suspicion of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent before also being released on conditional bail until 14th July.

And a 14-year-old New Milton boy was arrested on suspicion of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He was released on conditional bail until 15th July.

As reported in the A&T, an alleged attack on a 15-year-old boy outside his New Milton home on 7th February prompted officers to comment on the rise in trouble.

They vowed to engage with local schools over the issue as mayor Cllr Keith Craze said the town council would move to ensure extra youth support.

“It’s not something we want to see in New Milton or anywhere in the Forest, quite frankly,” Cllr Craze told the A&T at the time.

“It’s very sad that this is happening, but the police are aware of it and are dealing with it.”

That previous incident left the victim with bruising, grazing and a laceration to his head – injuries police said were not serious.

Six youths aged between 14 and 16, two of whom were girls, were arrested over that incident and bailed pending further enquiries.

Following last Thursday’s attack, a police Facebook post said: “Neighbourhood policing team officers have been in the local area conducting a range of enquires including house-to-house visits, CCTV scoping and high-visibility patrols in the vicinity of the recreation ground.”

People were urged to continue reporting any suspicious activity online at hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101. But 999 should always be dialled in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.