Monday 10 March 2014

Police chief 'grilled' over fears of violence escalation at Smithy Fen Travellers' site - Cambridgeshire

From Cambridge News

A police inspector was “grilled” by councillors concerned about an escalation of attacks at Smithy Fen Travellers’ site near Cambridge.


The meeting came after a Traveller was taken to hospital on Christmas Day following an assault causing multiple cuts to his body at the site in Cottenham and other assaults. Last year police raided the site in the hunt for stolen jade, as the News reported.

Chief Insp Darren Alderson met with Cllr Tim Wotherspoon, Cllr Lynda Harford and Cllr Simon Edwards of South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) to discuss residents’ fears.

Minutes of a meeting of Cottenham Parish Council said: “The three SCDC Cllrs gave Chief Insp Darren Alderson a grilling regarding recent assaults on the Fen. The police were at pains to stress that they acted as per guidelines by assessing the situation (threat/risk/harm).

“They also pointed out that they needed to work within the law and that all members of the community are treated the same. “They said there are people who cross their paths regularly and they are monitored. There was a wide ranging discussion which included the problems involved in policing some areas of the village.

“Going forward there will be multi-agency approach. Cllrs Wotherspoon and Harford felt that although no answers were given they were positive that something would be done.

“It was also felt that the situation on the Fen had got worse recently.”

A Cambridgeshire police spokesman said: “As with all incidents we will take appropriate action, such as arresting suspects, where there is evidence that an offence has been committed.”

A massive armed police operation was triggered following the attack and victim had multiple cuts to his arms, legs and torso.

Two men, aged 53 and 47, remain on bail until March 21.


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