Arrests after fight in Yeovil
Four men were arrested in Yeovil earlier today (7 August). Police arrived at Eastland Road around 7.50am after receiving reports of a “physical altercation.” Police found a fight in progress involving several individuals.
Two men were found at the scene and restrained by officers using pepper spray (PAVA), before being arrested.
Two other men left the scene on foot and entered a property in the same road. When challenged they refused to engage with officers or allow entry to the property. A Police negotiator tried to engage with the men and one of them chose to leave the property voluntarily. He was arrested shortly before 10.10am.
The fourth man continued to refuse entry and was believed to be in a possession of a bladed article. After further threats were made to officers, the Police took the decision to call for armed officers. These forced entry to and after using “distraction devices” and a taser discharged, the man was safely arrested. He was checked by paramedics at the scene but did not require further medical treatment and is now in police custody.
The other three arrested men have received medical treatment in hospital for injuries sustained in the incident. Two of them have since been discharged enabling them to be taken into custody.
Temporary Inspector Rachel Clark said: “We wish to reassure the local community who will have seen the large police presence in the Eastland Road area earlier today that we have arrested four men. We understand there may be some concern locally by these events. That is why we will be conducting extra high-visibility patrols so if you are worried then please speak to us. We are though not aware of there being any ongoing risk to the public. The property involved is managed by a housing association and we have updated it about what has happened. We met with two of its housing officers today to discuss action that can be taken both in the short-term and long-term to prevent any similar incidents from occurring in future.”
Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police about this incident are asked to contact them on 101. Please quote reference number 5223189652.