Teenage violence comes to town

Five police officers were assaulted and seven youths were arrested in a series of confrontations in a normally quiet New Forest town.

At one point CS spray had to be used to disperse a group of youngsters who were threatening officers in Lymington.

Hampshire Constabulary are now laying on extra patrols at weekends throughout the summer because of the problems being caused by gangs of youths.

On Friday, 25 July, police were called to break up several groups, including one large gathering of more than 40 people at the town's quay.

Officers threatened

One teenager was arrested after three police officers were assaulted and a police van was damaged.

Two more arrests were later made, one for assault on a police officer and the other for being abusive.

On the next day, officers again dealt with several large groups of youths in the quay area.

Five youngsters ended up being reported for public order offences.

Police bail

Just after midnight, one group moved to Queens Street and officers had to use CS spray to disperse them after they were threatened with violence.

Four youths were arrested over offences ranging from assault to public order.

Some of the group had also been trying to buy alcohol from local pubs by persuading adults to go in for them.

None of the police officers were seriously hurt in any of the incidents.

Six of the youths have been charged with a variety of offences from assault to public order and damage while one is currently on police bail.