Ten arrests following disorder in Stoke-on-Trent

The large-scale policing operation in Stoke-on-Trent has started to scale down following protest activity and disorder in the city today (Saturday 3 August).  

Officers have been working hard to reassure local communities, facilitate the right to protest peacefully and to act robustly against those engaging in violent disorder.  

We’re continuing to dispel false claims that two men were stabbed during the protest following a number of videos that have been shared on social media sites.

The video, which shows a man being treated for a head injury, fuelled the speculation.

We would like to reiterate that two men involved in the incident were hit with a blunt object that was thrown in the air. No stabbings have been reported to police.

Their injuries are not believed to be serious and they have been taken to hospital for treatment.

Ten arrests have been made:

• A 52-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicion of assault by beating of an emergency worker
• A 40-year-old man, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, a 36-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, a 26-year-old man, of no fixed address, a 15-year-old boy, from Stoke-on-Trent, and another man, on suspicion of violent disorder.
• A 38-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicion of assault by beating
• A 30-year-old man, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, on suspicion of common assault
• A 27-year-old man, of no fixed address, on suspicion of racially and or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm and or distress by words
• A 16-year-old boy, from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place

They remain in custody for questioning.

Three police officers were assaulted but only received minor injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: “Officers worked proactively and cohesively today to protect the public and tackle those intent on disorder.

“I can assure local communities that a large police presence will remain in the area tonight as we continue to speak to people about their concerns and reassure those affected.

“Violent disorder of any form is completely unacceptable and those who are responsible will be met with the full force of the law.

“As we’ve seen today, it’s also vital that we work together to act against misinformation online. It can spread rapidly and paint a false picture, which can be incredibly damaging. Please consider what source the information has come from and whether it has been confirmed by accredited organisations.

“The safety of the public is our number one priority. We can assure communities in Staffordshire that we will continue to monitor intelligence and deploy specialist teams proactively to keep people safe and prevent crime.”

If you have any concerns about what happened in Stoke-on-Trent today or have information about those engaging in violence and disorder, please get in touch by calling 101 or using Live Chat on our website.

If you’d like to report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.