Violent morning in Yeovil
Police resources in Yeovil were stretched last night (18 February) after a series of assaults in the town. Police scrambled all available resources after a man reported an assault in Reckleford (just north of the town centre) at 6.30am. After initial investigations and follow up, two people had been arrested by 9am.
Barely an hour after the first incident, a second assault was reported at 7.30am. This time at the Yeo Vale Leisure Park. Here officers found two men had been assaulted near the Cineworld building.
Soon afterwards there was a report of two further incidents. The first an assault at Pen Mill railway station and the second an incident in St Michael’s Avenue. All four incidents were within a mile of each other.
The incidents resulted in injuries to five men. One victim was hit on the head with a metal bar. Others were stabbed or punched. Four of the injured people went to hospital and have since been released after treatment. The fifth did not require hospital treatment.
Police launched an operation to identify the perpetrators involving response and neighbourhood officers. They were supported by specialist units. As a result of their investigations a man in his 20s and a teenage boy were arrested. Both remain in police custody, the man on suspicion of wounding with intent. The boy is being held on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a knife in public.
There will be an increased police presence in the area while further enquiries are carried out. The extra Police presence is also to reassure the public. If you have any concerns please speak to local officers.
If you have any information about any of the incidents please call 101 and give the reference 5223039497.