A 13-year-old boy has been charged with possessing a knife following a chaotic incident at the Blackheath Easter Funfair earlier this month.
%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% raced to Blackheath Common on Prince Charles Road just before 4pm on Tuesday, April 8, responding to reports of a large group of youths causing disorder.
By the time officers arrived, most of those involved had already fled. However, several suspects were detained, with arrests made for offences including possession of offensive weapons.
Among those arrested, a 13-year-old boy — who cannot be named for legal reasons — was charged with possessing a kitchen knife at the scene. He is scheduled to appear at %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% Magistrates’ Court later this week.
Funfair Forced to Close, Reopens With New Security Measures
The unrest forced the funfair to close for the day, disrupting families who had gathered for the holiday attraction.
Capital Funfairs, who operate the event, moved swiftly to bolster safety, reopening the next day with:
- Knife wands at entrances
- Increased %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% surveillance
- New rules requiring %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% under 14 to be accompanied by an adult
In a statement, organisers said:
We are a %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% funfair, for families, run by families.
To support a family-oriented %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%%, children under the age of 14 will not be allowed entrance without an accompanying adult. ID may need to be shown to verify age.”
Blackheath Community Reacts
Local residents expressed shock and frustration over the incident, citing growing concerns about knife crime involving young people across %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%%.
Police have reassured the public that there will be an increased presence around Blackheath Common and at other public events during the spring and summer months.
Anyone with information about the Blackheath incident is urged to contact the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% via 101 quoting the relevant date.
