Police appeal for witnesses after incidents reported in Southampton and Netley
Police are investigating after several incidents were reported last night (Monday, July 25) in the Netley and Sholing areas that are believed to be linked.
Detectives are asking for witnesses to come forward and assist with enquiries, especially if anyone captured any footage of the incidents.
Officers have arrested five people in connection with the incidents; an 18-year-old man, a 15-year-old boy, a 15-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy.
Police were called at 4.15pm yesterday to reports of a group of young people fighting on Station Road in Netley. Police attended and the group dispersed.
A 15-year-old boy was found to have suffered injuries to his arm and chest. He was treated in hospital and his injuries aren’t believed to be serious at this time.
Police believe the group boarded a train at Netley and later arrived in Sholing, Southampton.
At 6.30pm a 15-year-old boy was threatened on Sholing Road by a group of boys and girls demanding the boy hand over his mobile phone. The group took the boy’s phone without further incident.
Officers were later called at 8pm to Merryoak Road in Sholing to reports of a public order incident during which a 19-year-old man had suffered stabs wounds.
The injured man was taken to Southampton General Hospital by South Central Ambulance Service for treatment. His injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.
Five people from Southampton were subsequently arrested.
Detective Inspector Rob Heath from the Western Investigation Team said: “We will would like to reassure the communities affected by these incidents that there will increased patrols in these areas today. Neighbourhood Policing Teams in both districts will be visible and approachable should residents have any concerns.
“We believe these incidents are linked and that the attacks have been targeted. This kind disorder will be not be tolerated and we are following up all lines of enquiry to identify those involved.
“We would ask anyone who witnessed these incidents to come forward and make contact with us. Tell us what you saw, tell us what you know, in confidence.
“These incidents happened in day light, in residential areas. Did you capture any footage on your mobile phone, dash cam or private CCTV that could assist us with this investigation?
“Were you on a train yesterday after 4pm travelling west towards Southampton? Did you witness a group of young people using the train?
“Please call 101 and quote 44160277925 for the Netley incident, 44160278151 for the robbery on Sholing Road and 44160277957 for the public order incident on Merryoak Road.”
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers and leave information anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online
