Policing patrols continue following further reports of disturbance in East Leicester

Proactive policing patrols are continuing today (Wednesday) following further reports of disturbance in East Leicester last night.

During the course of yesterday evening, several reports of disturbance were made to police and as part of a proactive policing plan, dispersal powers under Sections 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 were put in place from 8pm until 6am today (Wednesday 7 September).

A total of 18 people were dispersed.

In addition, powers were also granted under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which allowed officers to stop and search anyone in a specific area without needing to have reasonable grounds. They too were in place from 8pm until 6am.

A total of 131 people were subject to stop-search procedures.

• A 19-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of possession of a conducted energy device (CED)
• A 24-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon
• A 17-year-old man from of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon
• A 25-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving

No significant injuries were reported.

Officers will continue to carry out proactive patrols in the area today and investigators will also be speaking with witnesses and carrying out CCTV enquiries. The force currently has 24 investigators working on the investigation.

Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon, who joined officers on patrol yesterday evening, said: “We are calling for calm and working with local communities.

“Sadly, what I saw yesterday evening was a minority of people intent on causing some disturbance and despite requests into the community this small minority persisted which resulted in my team using their powers as outlined above.

“Now is a time for calm heads and measured words while the police continue to take action and carry out investigations. Violence within our communities will not be tolerated.

“I understand the significant concern within our communities and we will continue to work closely with community leaders to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“A policing plan remains in place and our proactive high visibility patrols will be continuing in the local area.

“I would continue to encourage anyone who believes they have information that could help with our ongoing investigations into recent incidents to come forward.”

“We are also aware there is a lot of speculation on social media at this time and we continue to ask you not to get involved in this. I would like to thank everyone who is using social media to bring calm. Leicester as we know is a harmonious and proudly diverse city and we all want to pull together. Thank you.”