Protestors to demand more police in Shirebrook after spate of violence and threats

Community campaign group Shirebrook Together has organised the protest at Shirebrook Market on Saturday November 7 at 1pm.

Shirebrook Together Spokesman Troy Kissane, said the event had been called in response to at least three incidents over the past five weeks.

He said: ”The population of Shirebrook is getting bigger by thousands but we only have four policemen covering Shirebrook, Langwith and a few villages.

“A man has been kicked unconscious in the marketplace, a woman has been assaulted on Hut Hill and another woman was approached by a man who tried to get her phone off her.

“People have had enough. It doesn’t matter what nationalities are involved, it has got worse.”

Shirebrook together held a march and protest in June after violence flared in the town centre and anti-social behaviour by gangs of migrant workers.

Mr Kissane added: “After we had our last march and protest there were quite a lot of police and the trouble all went.

“But now the police have dwindled away, the trouble is slowly coming back.”

In a statement, Inspector Frank Burns said: “Officers in Shirebrook are aware of local concerns about policing and recent incidents.

“In response to these concerns the mobile police station will be parked on the Market Place in Shirebrook this weekend (Oct 31/ Nov 1). Officers hope local people will take the opportunity to chat about any worries they have.

He added: “Officers are also speaking to the organisers of the planned protest and expect it will be peaceful, as the last one was.

“Police are investigating several recent incidents. On Friday October 9 officers were made aware of an alleged assault on a woman who was walking along a footpath between Long Lane and Swanwick Avenue, Shirebrook known locally as Hut Hill. Several reports about a man acting suspiciously in that area have been made to the police during recent weeks and high visibility patrols have taken place to try to identify whoever is involved.

“Members of Shirebrook Safer Neighbourhood team used their attendance at the well-attended Shirebrook Town Council meeting on October 14 to appeal for information.

“The SNT team would like to reiterate their appeal for members of the public to come forward if they have any knowledge or sightings relating to any of these incidents. The officer dealing with the allegation of assault is PC 141689 Amanda O’Brien.

“If anyone has any information to offer then please make an approach to the SNT who will be basing themselves over the weekend at Shirebrook Market place.

“Police are also investigating allegations of assault on the Market Place on Friday October 16 at 9pm. A 23 year old man sustained cuts to his head and was treated at Kingsmill Hospital. A 35-year-old man was arrested nearby. He was questioned and released on police bail.

“A man, aged 19, and a 16-year-old were also arrested in connection with an alleged assault on the 35-year-old man. They were also released on police bail pending further enquiries.”