CS spray was used by police to quell a drink-fuelled flare-up in Newton Abbot town centre on Saturday night. Officers from around the district were drafted in to back up their Newton Abbot colleagues as the trouble escalated in the Bank Street and Market Street areas. Police believe the catalyst that sparked off the trouble was when a man in his early 40s was assaulted outside the Alliance and Leicester premises near St Leonard's Clock Tower just before 10.40pm. He had a gash to his left eyebrow and was treated by ambulancemen. It followed a day in which many had been drinking throughout the afternoon while watching the televised FA Cup final between Liverpool and West Ham. Around 20 people were involved in fighting through Bank Street and into Market Street. Near the Market Street-Highweek Street roundabout, an older man was knocked to the floor. Another man who went to his aid was also assaulted. The trouble continued until after 11pm in an area, described by police in licensing applications for the new extended licensing hours, as a trouble hot spot with nine licensed premises within a small radius. Chief Inspector Chris Stephens said the assaults led on to more serious public order and that involved between 20 and 40 people. He added that there was a lot of noise and threats from the group which was made up of those in their late teens through to the 40's. 'We responded and provided police officers from Newton Abbot with support officers from Ashburton, Chudleigh, Teignmouth, Torquay and Totnes,' he said. He added that three people were arrested and taken to Torquay police station and were currently on police bail pending further inquiries. No-one was taken to hospital and police quickly had the situation in hand. During that period Market Street was a no go area for traffic, and buses had to take a detour via Halcyon Road. A passenger on one of the buses said it seemed like 100 youngsters were milling around. 'It was noisy and frightening and something that you might expect to see in London, not on the streets of Newton Abbot. 'There were loads of police and two or three ambulances there. Our bus driver had to turn back and take a different route and advised other drivers to do the same,' said the passenger. Chief Insp Stephens said it was unacceptable behaviour and would not be tolerated and he warned that any repetition would receive the appropriate police response. Neighbourhood bobbie John Fisher said the first man assaulted had been on a Saturday night out with a bunch of lads. 'The group had left the Jolly Abbot at 10.20pm and I want to know what happened between then and just before 10.40pm when he was assaulted. We know there was a confrontation between two groups of men outside the Alliance and Leicester and I want to know what started the whole thing off. 'A lot of other people out on the town became unnecessarily embroiled in the situation, because they could have just walked away,' he said. PC Fisher appealed for any witnesses who were in the area between 10.20-11pm. 'I would urge people to come forward so that we can get to the bottom of this and to find out why it all happened,' he stated. They should telephone 08542 777444 quoting the reference JN061443, or in confidence on the Crimestoppers freephone number 0800 555111. This week police investigations were continuing and cctv coverage was being scanned from various sources. PC Fisher said there was no doubt that alcohol was the major contributory factor. 'It is all very well saying licensees have a responsibility but also people themselves must be mindful they have a personal responsibility that they must abide by the law. 'If they cannot take their drink, the simple answer is don't drink,' said PC Fisher who stressed that it was a one off incident. Police Sergeant Kevin James said the police were providing additional resources at appropriate times to patrol the town in order to combat crime and anti social behaviour to good effect. 'With the onset of the World Cup and warmer evenings it is an opportune time to remind licensees of their duty to monitor alcohol consumption by their customers. Failure to do so can readily lead to these types of problems. 'The Devon and Cornwall Constabulary is not prepared to tolerate loutish behaviour and will seek to prosecute people who persist in this type of activity,' he said. CS Spray MDA 15.5.06. JB.
