Swift Police Action Sees Two Charged With Assault

You’ll have perhaps seen media posts relating to an assault that took place in Bitterne over the weekend.

All too often, people are quick to negatively judge the police on their lack of action to crimes. It may be the case that some things can’t be handled in the way we’d hope, and fair to say the way they’d hope. However, it has to be understood that they can only do what’s within their powers given the resources available to them. Resources available being the key point.

The below are the two posts in question. The first one is an overview of the incident, with detail of action taken, together with a request for witnesses. The second is confirmation that two lads have been charged and will appear in Court again in a few weeks time.

We hope this serves to reinforce that our local police are out there doing their best. Please support those who are out there doing their bit to keep us safe; they can’t be everywhere ??

“Hello, 

Can you help? We are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with information, following an assault in the Bitterne area on Saturday 18 December.

It comes after police were called to a convenience store on Bitterne Road West in Southampton just before 3pm on Saturday.

It is alleged that three boys have been seen to violently assault another teenage boy in the store – leaving him with injuries to his face and body.

Through initial police enquiries we have identified two boys who we believe may have been involved in the assault, but are seeking information or witnesses to the incident to identify the third boy involved.

He is described as being white, medium build with dark brown hair. He was seen wearing a grey hoody with a black gilet jacket over the top of the hoody, blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb, said: “This was a particularly violent and sustained attack on a teenager in broad daylight in a public space in a busy shop in the Bitterne area.

“We are keen to trace the third boy who we believe was involved. Were you in the shop at the time? Did you witnesses the incident or know who the boy might be based on the description provided?

“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant you feel it may be, might assist us in our enquiries and bring those responsible for this callous attack to justice.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call 101, quoting reference 44210506265.

Previously, a 26-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder – but was later released and no further action taken against him.

A 17-year-old boy from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder – he was released on condition bail until Sunday 16 January.

A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, both from Southampton, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in custody at this time.”

“Police officers investigating an assault in the Bitterne area have charged two teenagers in connection with the incident. 

The charges come after a boy was assaulted inside a convenience store on Bitterne Road West in Southampton just before 3pm on Saturday 18 December. 

A 16-year-old boy from Southampton has been charged with affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

While a 17-year-old boy, also from Southampton, has been charged with affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

They both appeared at court this morning (21 Dec) and will next appear at court on Monday 10 January.”