News / Crime
Police respond to rumours of mass brawl between youths
Avon & Somerset’s Bristol police commander has sent a letter to all head teachers in Bristol and Bath in response to rumours of a planned brawl between youths from the cities.
In the letter shared with parents and carers, Superintendent Mark Runacres explains the policing response to the rumours that year 11 students from schools in Bristol are planning to travel to Bath to engage in violence with students from schools there, following the completion of their GCSE exams.
It comes after 16-year-old Mikey Roynon was stabbed to death in Bath on Saturday. Two boys remain in custody after being arrested in connection with the incident.
is needed now More than ever
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Read more: 16-year-old stabbed to death at Bath birthday party named as Mikey Roynon
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In the letter, Runacres wrote: “We are committed to responding to the concerns identified to us, so preventative police patrols will be deployed to specific locations throughout this week.
“I have been in contact with colleagues from the local authority and police colleagues from Bath and South Gloucestershire to share information and coordinate our responses.
“We will be deploying neighbourhood officers to patrol in the vicinity of many of our local schools, to engage with pupils, staff and parents and people are encouraged to speak to those officers about any specific concerns they have.”
He added: “As the GCSE exams draw to a close for year 11 pupils, it is understandable that many of them will want to celebrate that milestone with friends.
“With a teenage son myself, I appreciate the challenge created for parents in needing to allow greater independence, but wanting to keep their sons and daughters safe from harm, particularly in light of events in Bath last weekend.”
Runacres concludes the letter by advising parents to discuss the concerns with their children, maintain an oversight of their plans, and report any information or concerns about young people carrying knives to the police.
Main photo: Charlie Watts
Read next:
- Man arrested after woman dies at house
- Woman taken to hosptial with ‘life threating’ injuries after ‘serious’ collision
- Prisoner arrested after fellow inmate dies at Bristol Prison
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