Arrest made over racist incident at The Parade

Police arrested a 16-year-old man following an incident of race hate crime in Patchway last night (Tuesday 3rd July).

Officers were called to a shop at The Parade, Coniston Road, at about 7pm, following reports that a group of young men were being abusive towards a female Asian worker.

The suspects had made off when officers arrived and a search of the area proved negative.

At about 8:20pm there was another call to say the group had returned and were causing problems again.

A 16-year-old Patchway man was arrested the same evening on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence – using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress. He was later bailed pending further enquiries.

Neighbourhood Inspector Bob Evely said:

“We have been working hard with local traders, the South Gloucestershire Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Merlin Housing Society and youth groups to tackle problems with anti-social behaviour at The Parade, especially that targeted at the late-night shop workers.”

“This partnership work has led to six people signing Acceptable Behaviour Contracts with conditions such as not going to The Parade and we have seen a general reduction in incidents.

“We will take positive action to deal with anyone causing this sort of problem.”

Anyone with any information which could help police enquiries into this incident is asked to call the South Gloucestershire Hate Crime Unit police on 101. Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

Avon and Somerset Police – Hate Crime Reporting Centres

Anyone can report a hate crime/incident in confidence at the seven independent inclusive reporting centres throughout South Gloucestershire.

A hate crime is any crime which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hate. When hate is present in someone’s behaviour or actions, but no crime is committed, this constitutes a hate incident. Both of these can be reported at a reporting centre.

The Patchway Hate Crime Reporting Centre is:

Patchway Town Council
Callicroft House
Rodway Road
Patchway
BS34 5DQ
Open: 9am-5pm