Night of calm follows successive nights of riots

NOTTS enjoyed a trouble free night with no major disturbances following two successive nights of riots.

The number of incidents reported to police was significantly lower than the previous 48 hours.

A further 11 people have been arrested, taking the total up to 97 for public disorder offences.

Paul Scarrott, Assistant Chief Constable at Notts Police, commanded the policing operation overnight and was delighted Nottingham had been able to enjoy its first relatively peaceful night this week.

He said: “On Monday night, there were sporadic and serious incidents of criminality. That night, our tactic was to repel and separate large groups of youths intent on congregating in the city and suburbs.”

“On Tuesday night, we warned that our tactics would be different. Again we drove the hooligans back, but this time we made many arrests.”

“We prevented widespread looting and major fires, and despite attacks on police officers, vehicles and police stations, we stood firm and demonstrated that we would not tolerate such behaviour.”

“Last night, we had our strongest presence yet on the streets lest anyone had failed to get the zero-tolerance message.”

Around 800 police officers, PCSOs, Special Constables and CPOs took to the streets throughout the night to prevent any repetition of the violent scenes experienced by residents in the city on Monday and Tuesday.

“Whilst I’m delighted that the residents of the city could have a peaceful night’s sleep there will be no let up in our determination to take swift and decisive action against anyone who decides to break the law and participate in the sort of mindless, yobbish wanton criminality that blighted the city on Tuesday night,” he added.

“For that reason, we will continue to have at our disposal significant numbers of officers on duty, throughout the city and elsewhere, ready to respond 24/7 for the coming days and nights.”

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