Police Statement

Police are urging parents to keep tabs on their children this half term after a number of teenagers were taken into custody.

Six boys aged 14 and 15 have been arrested in connection with a violent incident in Harrogate. Investigations into several other incidents involving aggressive and antisocial behaviour are ongoing.

Officers are also addressing a wider group in Harrogate that is attracting “hangers on” and is likely to land children in trouble with the law.

The six suspects have been arrested on suspicion of assaulting other young people, members of the public and a police officer who was dealing with the incident.

In addition to the arrests, some youths have been given warnings or behavioural orders.

Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team has also put a pre-emptive dispersal order in place for today, which covers the town centre and Stray, to prevent any antisocial behaviour more generally on the last day of term.

Inspector Greg Davies of Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I want to be very clear that everybody in Harrogate and across North Yorkshire deserves to go about their day feeling safe, without the fear of being attacked or intimidated.

“If that doesn’t happen, we will deal with the perpetrators swiftly and decisively. This sometimes involves arrests, court and getting a criminal record.

“We’re also working closely with parents and urging everyone whose child goes out tonight or during half term to keep tabs on where they are.

“Have a talk with your teenager in advance – make sure you know who they’re associating with and where they’re going.”

Insp Davies added: “We’re seeing groups with lots of impressionable ‘hangers on’ who are engaging in antisocial behaviour, and whilst not directly perpetrating crime are at risk of becoming embroiled in it. That can involve police attention, which no parent wants for their child.

“Teenage years can be difficult to parent, but a bad decision now can have a significant impact on a teenager’s future.

“So our ask to parents is simple – have a talk to your child, keep tabs on what they’re doing and help us prevent them from falling in with the wrong crowd this half term.

“I also want to reassure the wider community that we’re aware of concerns and we are acting decisively so that Harrogate remains a very safe community that everyone can enjoy.”