Arrests made as police investigate anti-social behaviour at Sunderland park

Police have confirmed they have received a ‘handful’ of reports of anti-social behaviour involving young people at Barnes Park over the last few weeks.

Officers have identified a number of people believed to have been involved in such incidents and subsequent arrests have been made as police continue their inquiries.

Residents speaking to the Echo, told of how they have been left feeling frightened and intimidated by groups of youngsters when walking through the park.

One resident, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “When I was last in the park there was broken glass round the bandstand and it was full of kids tearing about on bikes.

"It’s just not safe anymore and I feel intimidated."

And the latest news of anti-social behaviour comes just days after the Echo reported how a teenager pushed a 12-year-old boy from his bike and made off with it in a shocking robbery at the same park.

Northumbria Police has said they will continue to carry out targeted patrols in the area.

Sergeant Keith Goldsmith, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are aware of a handful of reports of anti-social behaviour involving young people in Barnes Park over the last few weeks.

“We have identified a number of those believed to have been involved in the respective incidents, with arrests made and various inquiries still ongoing.

“We understand the corrosive and harmful impact that the anti-social behaviour of a minority can have on the communities we serve, especially vulnerable residents who can be made to feel intimidated or frightened in their own homes.

“Despite pockets of disorder, however, incidents of anti-social behaviour in this area of Sunderland have fallen over the last month, and we are delighted that the overwhelming majority of people have respected their communities and adhered to the Government’s restrictions.

“We will continue to carry out targeted patrols in hotspot areas and deal with anyone involved in anti-social behaviour appropriately.

"We would also stress that personal responsibility is now key in tackling the pandemic – we must not undermine everything we have sacrificed during lockdown.”

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