Police have stepped up patrols in King’s Lynn’s town centre after videos showing assaults on members of the public went viral on social media.
Following the public’s reaction, Chief Inspector Amie Abbs of Lynn police, yesterday spoke out to reassure residents.
She said: “I completely understand why people feel concerned and scared. It is a priority for us – we are increasing the number of patrols in the town centre and bus station areas – both high-visibility and plain-clothed officers.
“Anybody, young or not who we are dealing with in terms of anti-social behaviour, will be dealt with robustly.”
One filmed attack showed a gang of youths approach a man pushing a wheelchair on Christmas Day. They were laughing as the victim was punched in the head.
Two boys and a girl were arrested in connection with assault. They have been bailed as enquiries continue.
The most recent footage showed youths approach a man who was also punched in the head.
A 16-year-old youth has been charged with a public order offence and released on bail with a curfew and must not enter the town centre. He is due to appear at Lynn Youth Court on Tuesday, January 29.
Chief Insp Abbs said it was important to clarify the most recent video was filmed before the Christmas Day assault.
She said: “I know people on social media have commented about the lack of police action, believing that the second video posted actually occurred after Christmas Day, that’s not the case, it happened mid-December.”
She said officers had also been made aware of another video of an assault in an alleyway which was subject to a separate investigation.
Chief Insp Abbs urged the public to contact police first with video footage and not post it on social media.
On Monday officers tweeted one person had been arrested for assault after four youths had been causing anti-social behaviour at the town’s bus station.
