Police have made two arrests following separate incidents in Hartlepool involving large groups gathering outside properties, during which a man was allegedly assaulted and racially abused and another property had its windows smashed while children were inside.
Cleveland Police confirmed officers were called to a property in the Hartlepool area on Friday, 28 August, where a group of people had gathered claiming to be carrying out a peaceful protest.
During the first incident, a 29-year-old man was assaulted and racially abused and had a bag stolen from him, according to police.
He was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, where he remained overnight receiving treatment.
A 54-year-old Hartlepool man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Second property targeted
Police were called to a second address in Hartlepool at around 12:30 pm on Saturday, 29 August, following reports of another gathering from the group protesting against a registered sex offender who was in the same address as children.
An eyewitness told Police Hour:
The man targeted by the protest, who is originally from Norton, was jailed for three years in 2009 after being convicted of attempting to arrange the commission of a sexual offence against a girl under 13.
“He was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life, permanently disqualified from working with children and prohibited from having contact with children for five years.”
The eyewitness went on to say:
“Those attending the protest were required by police to provide their names and addresses under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act 2002.”
According to Cleveland Police, windows at the property were smashed with rocks and bricks while children were present inside the address.
A 46-year-old woman has since been arrested on suspicion of obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty and has been taken into police custody.
Police remain in the area and say officers will maintain a highly visible presence to provide reassurance to the local community over the coming days. Police warn violence will not be tolerated
Superintendent Paul Richardson, from Cleveland Police has said
“Whilst police will facilitate a peaceful and lawful protest, any escalation of violence or criminality will be dealt with appropriately and robustly.
“We will not tolerate incidents such as these, where groups of people target individuals and cause people harm or destroy property.
“Anyone who carries out this type of mindless behaviour can expect to be arrested and put before the courts.”
Hartlepool group holds a series of protests across the town
The local Hartlepool group has been organising what it describes as “peaceful protests” at addresses across the town for several weeks.
These have focused on properties reportedly connected to people the group identifies as suspected or convicted sex offenders.
Appeal for information
Anyone with concerns or information about the incidents is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.