Bracknell

Six people have been arrested following an incident in Great Hollands, Bracknell, yesterday afternoon (13/12).

At 4.30pm, police were called to reports of a group of youths fighting outside the shops in Great Hollands Square, Bracknell. During the incident, two youths entered the nearby Great Hollands Health Centre and created a disturbance.

An off-duty police officer who was at the scene intervened to stop the disorder and was assaulted several times with a weapon, believed to be a baseball bat. He sustained facial injuries, including a possible broken nose, as well as bruising to his back and shoulder.

Two 18-year-old men, a 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested yesterday (13/12), and a 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested today (14/12) on suspicion of various offences, including assault on a police officer, affray, wounding and public order. All four remain in police custody at this time.

Ch Insp Rob Povey, commander of Bracknell Forest local police area, said: “We will not tolerate incidents of this nature. Apart from the injuries suffered by one of our officers, the disorder caused fear and distress to those who witnessed it.

“A number of officers, including a dog handler, attended the scene within a few minutes. Following the six arrests, our inquiries continue today.

“I would like to reassure residents that we will respond swiftly and robustly to any further incidents. As well as normal uniformed patrols, our neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area as part of Operation Lascar, the continuing initiative to prevent anti-social behaviour across Bracknell Forest.

“I would appeal to members of the public who have not already spoken to police to come forward with information about yesterday’s incident. You can talk to officers on patrol, or call Det Sgt Sarah Austin on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police and would prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A spokesman for Berkshire East Primary Care Trust (PCT) said: “We are shocked and saddened by yesterday’s incident at Great Hollands Health Centre and we are co-operating fully with the police investigation.

“The PCT will be offering appropriate help to the staff and patients affected by the incident, and we are reviewing security at the Health Centre.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell