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Victim of Serious Assault in Neston Released From Hospital as Arrests are Made
| Published: 9th September 2016 13:29 |
Police are continuing to investigate a serious incident which took place on Thursday.
At 3.25pm on September 8, police received reports of a serious assault in Tannery Lane, Neston.
Officers arrived at the scene to find a 16-year-old boy had been wounded in his back. The air ambulance attended, landing on Sytchcroft park off Liverpool Road, and transported him to hospital for treatment.
The teenage victim of the attack is a local resident. His injuries were not as serious as first thought and he has now been released from hospital.
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the incident and have recovered a machete. Police are still appealing for more information as they search for others who may have been involved. Chief Inspector Sarah Pengelly, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit, said: "Public safety is paramount, so this type of violence is obviously something that concerns us.
"I want to stress that this is not normal for Neston, and we have committed significant numbers to providing a more visible presence in the community, which I hope will offer some reassurance. We're following a number of lines of enquiry, including CCTV, forensics and intelligence reports.
"Of course, we rely heavily on members of the public giving us the vital information we need to solve these investigations, and I'd urge anyone who can help to contact us on 101."
Anyone who saw the incident, or has any information that could help, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident 495 of 8 September 2016. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Local reactions
Many local residents took to social media to vent their frustration at the number of incidents involving youths in Neston recently. Claims were made that the problems stemmed from lads coming in from elsewhere to cause trouble. Several were quick to claim the town has 'changed for the worse'. However, others were keen to ensure a sense of proportion. Paula Prytherch, Artistic Director of Hip & Harmony CIC, an organisation that provides activities for young people in the area, said:
"Let's not forget the great young people we have here in Neston! I work with some of them and I see what other groups are doing to provide activities for them. I watched 20 plus young people running through the town this evening, training for cadets! There'll be 20 plus young people at our Music Zone group on Tuesday, creating and socialising. The numerous young people who are just generally polite and a pleasure to talk to. All the young people who worked hard and got amazing GCSEs results from our high school this year.
"Today's news is shocking... But we can't let this small group of mindless young people ruin the reputation of ALL the decent young people here!"
Local resident and business owner Paul Jones said: "Some idiot north face ninjas who think they're in gangland territory... grow up for Christ's sake you are in a beautiful countryside market town."
What do YOU think? Please feel free to leave any comments below.
Many comments have already been left on our Facebook page here.
UPDATE (10.9.2016, 18:36): Two incidents on the same day - two local men have appeared in court for an incident involving a machete, unconnected with the incident in Tannery Lane. Full report here.
Photo below: Air ambulance landing in Sytchcroft park in Neston. Photo courtesy of Ste Huxley.
Two photos from Zoe Reilly, the first showing a different angle when the air ambulance arrived and the second showing the police cordon in effect this evening (Thursday), whilst forensic examinations take place.
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Comments
null nAt 13:02 on 9th September 2016, null n commented:
Of course its a minority and of course Paula is right - we have some amazingly talented & caring young people in Neston, and many amazing not-so-young people too.
But it still doesn't detract from the fact things are getting worse and the minority of trouble makers are growing. Just look at the local news recently and its very clear to everyone the problem is getting worse.
Ask some of the decent local residents who live around the parks, station or on the Liverpool Road estates and they are fed up with it night after night. Friends of mine who like me have lived in Neston their whole lives are moving because outside their home they get problems. Moving out of Neston because of the ASB issues.
Yes its a minority, Yes Neston has some amazing people and we should keep positive, but if we all keep deluding ourselves that its not getting worse then it won't get the focus it needs to resolve it so we can all say in the near future "its getting better".
Paul Jones' comment could not put it better !
But it still doesn't detract from the fact things are getting worse and the minority of trouble makers are growing. Just look at the local news recently and its very clear to everyone the problem is getting worse.
Ask some of the decent local residents who live around the parks, station or on the Liverpool Road estates and they are fed up with it night after night. Friends of mine who like me have lived in Neston their whole lives are moving because outside their home they get problems. Moving out of Neston because of the ASB issues.
Yes its a minority, Yes Neston has some amazing people and we should keep positive, but if we all keep deluding ourselves that its not getting worse then it won't get the focus it needs to resolve it so we can all say in the near future "its getting better".
Paul Jones' comment could not put it better !
null nAt 13:14 on 9th September 2016, null n commented:
I notice on the police Facebook page it says 2 people have been arrested for the attack yesterday and a Machete recovered. Police are seeking a 3rd person.
A Machete !!
A Machete !!
CO JonesAt 13:37 on 9th September 2016, CO Jones commented:
It does need a sense of perspective which both the contributors to the article have articulated well.
Also agree with Dan. The ringleaders need gripping as do their parents and the full powers of the law and the Local Authority should be used.
As far as perspective goes, my road was visited by the PCSO's this week following the new initiative where they knock on doors and canvas opinion on issues in the area and the Police response. Seemingly, the biggest complaint from numerous households was speeding cyclists !
I would also question whether things are getting worse? social media can certainly give that effect unfortunately. The stuff we got up to as a peer group in the 70's and 80's (street brawls with gangs from other parks / towns / schools- including weapons, glue sniffing, petty vandalism, fighting at football, drinking, smoking pot, terrifying anyone above forty etc) may seem horrendous now but at 15 - 16, it was the most important thing in my myopic world - and many others. Thankfully, virtually all grow out of it and the ones that don't end up eating of a metal tray.
History does have a generational habit of repeating itself...
Also agree with Dan. The ringleaders need gripping as do their parents and the full powers of the law and the Local Authority should be used.
As far as perspective goes, my road was visited by the PCSO's this week following the new initiative where they knock on doors and canvas opinion on issues in the area and the Police response. Seemingly, the biggest complaint from numerous households was speeding cyclists !
I would also question whether things are getting worse? social media can certainly give that effect unfortunately. The stuff we got up to as a peer group in the 70's and 80's (street brawls with gangs from other parks / towns / schools- including weapons, glue sniffing, petty vandalism, fighting at football, drinking, smoking pot, terrifying anyone above forty etc) may seem horrendous now but at 15 - 16, it was the most important thing in my myopic world - and many others. Thankfully, virtually all grow out of it and the ones that don't end up eating of a metal tray.
History does have a generational habit of repeating itself...
null nAt 13:49 on 9th September 2016, null n commented:
Its getting worse in relation to how Neston has been in the last decade or so. Agreed if we look back to the 80's when there was far higher unemployment and many social issues then things are not that bad, but its not really a good comparison.
My concern is that action is only taken when people express their concern. We know there are great people in Neston and on the whole its a great place to live. If I walked down the town centre now I would pass many great people (in the context of this discussion) but we are not debating our great people, we are calling for action on the not-so-great people.
Equally if the police are knocking on doors and all people are concerned about is speeding cyclists then I respectfully suggest they are knocking on the wrong doors. Just looking at the comments on Facebook and speaking to Friends in the top end of Neston (off Liverpool road) then they are certainly experiencing an upturn in issues from this minority.
This assault may be a one off, we don't know yet, but the other issues people are reporting with the gangs of youths of an evening and the ASB are really affecting people's lives. Anyone fortunate enough to say live in a quiet road on the rural edges of our town respectfully will not appreciate the effect these problems have to those living in and around the town centre
My concern is that action is only taken when people express their concern. We know there are great people in Neston and on the whole its a great place to live. If I walked down the town centre now I would pass many great people (in the context of this discussion) but we are not debating our great people, we are calling for action on the not-so-great people.
Equally if the police are knocking on doors and all people are concerned about is speeding cyclists then I respectfully suggest they are knocking on the wrong doors. Just looking at the comments on Facebook and speaking to Friends in the top end of Neston (off Liverpool road) then they are certainly experiencing an upturn in issues from this minority.
This assault may be a one off, we don't know yet, but the other issues people are reporting with the gangs of youths of an evening and the ASB are really affecting people's lives. Anyone fortunate enough to say live in a quiet road on the rural edges of our town respectfully will not appreciate the effect these problems have to those living in and around the town centre
CO JonesAt 14:01 on 9th September 2016, CO Jones commented:
Dan,
I live adjacent to land used continually for teenage drinking, smoking and general gathering away from the eyes of the parents and the Police. I would suggest they visited that road at the start of the initiative because of its geographic location to many reported incidents. Who reported them, I ain't so sure as clearly, cyclists are higher up the ASBO food chain to many.
I live adjacent to land used continually for teenage drinking, smoking and general gathering away from the eyes of the parents and the Police. I would suggest they visited that road at the start of the initiative because of its geographic location to many reported incidents. Who reported them, I ain't so sure as clearly, cyclists are higher up the ASBO food chain to many.
CO JonesAt 14:22 on 9th September 2016, CO Jones commented:
I also Hope the injured party makes a full recovery. I Was at risk of losing sight of the fact that someone has been badly hurt.
LambsterAt 14:23 on 9th September 2016, Lambster commented:
To pick up on something CO says above, I think the spread of use of social media has had the effect of magnifying issues that might otherwise have been considered more calmly. I'm not for one minute saying that yesterday's dreadful attack should be dismissed as trivial. Nor am I suggesting that people are not being disturbed by the antics of some of the youths around town. But, with every little thing being mentioned on the likes of Facebook, and people pouncing on each incident and building it up to be more than it is, ther eis a danger of losing all perspective.
Like you've said in your comments, CO and Dan, stuff like most of this has been going on since time immemorial but in the past the only people aware of it would have been those immediately affected (either involved or nearby). 24 hour media, Facebook, Twitter etc have many positives, but for me the main negative is the knock-on effect that there is a shared belief that all the news out there is of the bad kind.
Like you've said in your comments, CO and Dan, stuff like most of this has been going on since time immemorial but in the past the only people aware of it would have been those immediately affected (either involved or nearby). 24 hour media, Facebook, Twitter etc have many positives, but for me the main negative is the knock-on effect that there is a shared belief that all the news out there is of the bad kind.
null nAt 14:31 on 9th September 2016, null n commented:
Agreed regarding Social Media, people are far more likely to vent a frustration on a site than write a positive, but here though just speaking to people off social media, many at an age who don't even have it, its a very real increase in disturbance from a very real group, or multiple groups, of individuals.
On a positive however, the local Sgt is more focused on this and more supportive of Neston than anyone before him, and his comms on sites like AMA are excellent. I think he would agree that people do need to raise these issues and do need to log them with 101 or speak to the police in the town centre "surgery".
To justify police resources being provided to Neston, investigations and eventually arrests the NPU need people to report these issues. Don't sugar coat a problem or close the curtains and hope it goes away, let the NPU know and they can take action. That way we can all chat on here about what a great place Neston is and how crime is so low in 6 months time.
I almost said "The greater good" then. I am sure some will get that reference
On a positive however, the local Sgt is more focused on this and more supportive of Neston than anyone before him, and his comms on sites like AMA are excellent. I think he would agree that people do need to raise these issues and do need to log them with 101 or speak to the police in the town centre "surgery".
To justify police resources being provided to Neston, investigations and eventually arrests the NPU need people to report these issues. Don't sugar coat a problem or close the curtains and hope it goes away, let the NPU know and they can take action. That way we can all chat on here about what a great place Neston is and how crime is so low in 6 months time.
I almost said "The greater good" then. I am sure some will get that reference
null nAt 23:35 on 9th September 2016, null n commented:
Just a few stats from Police.UK website for reported crimes. These are Reported Crimes for Neston, Parkgate and immediate Neston area so exclude Willaston, Shotton, Ellesmere port etc.
January: 59
February: 55
March: 73
April: 76
May: 84
June 93
July and August figures not available yet
January: 59
February: 55
March: 73
April: 76
May: 84
June 93
July and August figures not available yet
Scott MoreinAt 08:47 on 10th September 2016, Scott Morein commented:
This year has been the worst for ASB in the last 10+ I have lived here; but it has had the best policing in the last 10+ I have lived here, so don't blame the police for the scumbags but overall the situation is worse, and the figures quoted reflect the power of ‘PC Rain’.
By the way the former Iceland shop windows have been smashed; if any reader is on foot can you make a note of the letting agent number (I've tried memorising when driving past to no avail) so they can be notified to repair/board up.
One other thought; why cannot the town council ban ‘hoodies’ (the garment). If a French mayor can ban a burkini, why cannot our mayor ban hoodies?
Finally, the comment about those living near the leafy edges; we probably get the worst of it because it is inaccessible to plod and the scroats know this and the firearms permit does not allow summary justice.
By the way the former Iceland shop windows have been smashed; if any reader is on foot can you make a note of the letting agent number (I've tried memorising when driving past to no avail) so they can be notified to repair/board up.
One other thought; why cannot the town council ban ‘hoodies’ (the garment). If a French mayor can ban a burkini, why cannot our mayor ban hoodies?
Finally, the comment about those living near the leafy edges; we probably get the worst of it because it is inaccessible to plod and the scroats know this and the firearms permit does not allow summary justice.
RJAt 11:24 on 10th September 2016, RJ commented:
Scott, it's Hitchcock & Wright, 0151 227 3400 - nobody answering now though :(
WRT the assault, it seems like it was inevitable. Everyone knows who it was by now (but better not to name names until court) and I've been told about people who have been telling the Police about him ever since he allegedly stole from another kid at knife point. Same friend had to wait 45 minutes for a response to an ongoing violent confrontation. So it's great the police are acting now, but it would have better if they'd acted earlier - better still if they didn't have their funding cut.
Those stats from data.police.uk aren't good, you can get a good idea of general crime levels at http://www.jamesfiltness.co.uk/projects/crime-map/
WRT the assault, it seems like it was inevitable. Everyone knows who it was by now (but better not to name names until court) and I've been told about people who have been telling the Police about him ever since he allegedly stole from another kid at knife point. Same friend had to wait 45 minutes for a response to an ongoing violent confrontation. So it's great the police are acting now, but it would have better if they'd acted earlier - better still if they didn't have their funding cut.
Those stats from data.police.uk aren't good, you can get a good idea of general crime levels at http://www.jamesfiltness.co.uk/projects/crime-map/
null nAt 13:03 on 10th September 2016, null n commented:
Absolutely Scott, the police now are the best in 10+ years and I for one really appreciate their efforts, but I am also seeing 1st hand that these groups intent on causing ASB are the worst I have ever seen in the area, but again others may not see it if they don't live in the area immediately suffering with this.
It is a shame we have to hope for rain to get some peace too. That said, last night I was playing taxi and dropped a few people off at different parts of the town, Neston was silent apart from several police cars I passed so I think the trouble makers were aware of the extra presence and stayed indoors.
RJ - thanks for the link.
It is a shame we have to hope for rain to get some peace too. That said, last night I was playing taxi and dropped a few people off at different parts of the town, Neston was silent apart from several police cars I passed so I think the trouble makers were aware of the extra presence and stayed indoors.
RJ - thanks for the link.
null nAt 13:13 on 10th September 2016, null n commented:
RJ - that link only goes back to 2015 and seems to take its feed from the same data anyway. The Police.UK site is up to June 2016
Scott MoreinAt 13:29 on 10th September 2016, Scott Morein commented:
Thanks for the number RJ; will call in the week.
RJAt 13:38 on 10th September 2016, RJ commented:
Dan, good spot. Might be interesting to plot the numbers for various crimes over last 5 years. Will take a look this evening - busman's holiday :)
null nAt 19:45 on 10th September 2016, null n commented:
Off topic: RJ, still a very useful link if you want to buy a house, that site and the more recent Police.uk. Put the postcode of the address you want to buy in there and see what sort of area & road you are moving to.
CO JonesAt 20:16 on 10th September 2016, CO Jones commented:
Unless people under report crime because they intend to move.
(which is what a Policeman suggested to us, off the record, several years ago when he visited the house and observed the for sale sign).
Statistics... Do we really need to get into the debate about their value (or lack of value)
(which is what a Policeman suggested to us, off the record, several years ago when he visited the house and observed the for sale sign).
Statistics... Do we really need to get into the debate about their value (or lack of value)
SGT DGAt 20:54 on 10th September 2016, SGT DG commented:
I have read comments with interest. Stats can be misleading. Perspective is key here. Yes ASB has impacted even more over the school holidays which is frustrating for residents and me! It is a small number causing the late night issues and who are being targeted in more ways than one. For example, we are working with housing providers and parents tenancies will be at risk if their children continue to cause ASB. This is not an option for private house owners. Youths identified as involved in ASB are out through the ASB process, social services involved and ultimately orders placed against them. It is not a quick process. However those caught and convicted of criminal offences I will also be seeking criminal behaviour orders against them.
Dan makes a good point... We need the public to tell us what's going on! Intelligence we can use to obtain warrants for example!
Media, social media etc does raise awareness in negatives but we should always remember the positives for Neston which FAR outweigh the minority who cause issues. Trust me I am all over the issues and using a number of angles to deal with individuals who when in group gangs act as a pack.
Over This weekend we have a dispersal power in place and my team at around 4pm today stop searched 3 Birkenhead males we were after, served them the notice and escorted them out of Neston!! Result!! The message is getting out there the outsiders intent on causing trouble are not welcome and our local individual pains are more and more isolated from the good in the community...
I can't always disclose some police tactics but rest assured we are out there and targeting the few within the community. Information from the public Via crime stoppers for example is not always forthcoming yet they are sometimes the ones who complain about what's going on!! Tell us and we will act...
Again great comments and helps me. Thank you all for taking the time to read the articles and comment. Stay safe.
Dan makes a good point... We need the public to tell us what's going on! Intelligence we can use to obtain warrants for example!
Media, social media etc does raise awareness in negatives but we should always remember the positives for Neston which FAR outweigh the minority who cause issues. Trust me I am all over the issues and using a number of angles to deal with individuals who when in group gangs act as a pack.
Over This weekend we have a dispersal power in place and my team at around 4pm today stop searched 3 Birkenhead males we were after, served them the notice and escorted them out of Neston!! Result!! The message is getting out there the outsiders intent on causing trouble are not welcome and our local individual pains are more and more isolated from the good in the community...
I can't always disclose some police tactics but rest assured we are out there and targeting the few within the community. Information from the public Via crime stoppers for example is not always forthcoming yet they are sometimes the ones who complain about what's going on!! Tell us and we will act...
Again great comments and helps me. Thank you all for taking the time to read the articles and comment. Stay safe.
CO JonesAt 07:48 on 11th September 2016, CO Jones commented:
Got a certain Clash song going round and round in my head after reading that
CO JonesAt 08:01 on 11th September 2016, CO Jones commented:
If you do want to build the picture using stats, have a look at the same month going back several years on the Police.uk website. The evidence there actually indicates how remarkably consistent the figures have been, give or take a handful, in the whole of the CH64 area over the time the stats are available.
It's of little benefit comparing March to April, May, June etc.
Also, high profile effective Policing invariably leads to increased reporting.
It's of little benefit comparing March to April, May, June etc.
Also, high profile effective Policing invariably leads to increased reporting.
null nAt 12:46 on 11th September 2016, null n commented:
Point taken regarding the stats, and if we want people to report things more then that will increase the stats further.
I guess the problem locations are changing then. A number of people across the town are feeling like things are getting worse where they live because these groups have moved to, or been housed in, other areas of the town that had less problems in the past. Again I go back to my friend who has lived in the town all their life and had very little problems, but who now has ASB issues around their home several times a week.
Fortunately though, the local police team are aware of this and as SGT DG said above things are happening behind the scenes to address this.
I guess the problem locations are changing then. A number of people across the town are feeling like things are getting worse where they live because these groups have moved to, or been housed in, other areas of the town that had less problems in the past. Again I go back to my friend who has lived in the town all their life and had very little problems, but who now has ASB issues around their home several times a week.
Fortunately though, the local police team are aware of this and as SGT DG said above things are happening behind the scenes to address this.
CO JonesAt 14:28 on 11th September 2016, CO Jones commented:
That is very much the case. Our old house had a small footpath up the side which, in a short space of time, became a place for people to meet to buy and sell drugs. It was obvious what was happening and who was doing it. Hence our interaction with the Police.
A couple of arrests later, the issue seemed to have moved somewhere else.
A couple of arrests later, the issue seemed to have moved somewhere else.
null nAt 08:04 on 16th September 2016, null n commented:
Just read on the EP&N Police Facebook Page that "An 18yr old male from the Woodchurch area of Birkenhead has been charged with the serious assault of a 17yr old male from Neston"
Is that this assault or something else ?
Is that this assault or something else ?
Katie RobsonAt 09:10 on 16th September 2016, Katie Robson responded:
As you know Dan, I put up news as fast as I can. But, I can't keep up with every tweet or FB post in real time. I suspect, as you do, that this is the same incident, but the mix up the other week leads me to be cautious about confirming, until I've heard officially either from Sgt Dan or the Constabulary press office. I will publish as soon as that info comes through.
Katie RobsonAt 12:04 on 16th September 2016, Katie Robson responded:
As promised: https://goo.gl/VueZCp
You need to log in before you can do that! It's only a quick registration process to join the AMA network and completely free.
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