Here’s some of the incidents that West Mercia Police have attended and reported in recently:
Police disperse crowds from large gathering in Dorstone
On Sunday 4 April, West Mercia Police attended reports of a large gathering in Dorstone, Hereford.
Officers attended and made attempts to engage with those at the site and asked them to leave the area as per the current lockdown regulations.
Many of those in attendance left when asked however a Section 63 dispersal order under Criminal Justice Public Order Act was issued in order to disperse the rest of the group.
A number of arrests have been for driving offences since the initial report of this incident at 1am this morning.
Herefordshire Superintendent Edd Williams said: “We received several reports from concerned members of the public regarding the number of people gathered in Dorstone as well as loud noise.
“Our first step is always to engage with the community and that was our initial response in this case and a number of the attendees were compliant, however it became necessary to issue the Section 63 order in order to disperse the remaining members of the public.
“I am pleased to say that we were able to clear the area in a calm and peaceful way.
“I’d like to assure the community that we take this very seriously and dispersing the gathering was a top priority for officers today. Police will continue to patrol the area to ensure the issue not re-emerge.”
Police appeal for witnesses after badger found dead in woodland
West Mercia Police are appealing for information following the launch of an investigation.
On Monday 5th April 2021 Police received a report that a badger was discovered in woodland near St Michael’s Church in Breinton, Herefordshire. Early enquiries show that the badger appears to have been shot within the last week.
It is an offence to wilfully kill or injure a badger under The Badgers Act 1992 and offenders face a fine and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months.
If anyone can provide any information in relation to this incident then please contact 101, report online at https://www.westmercia.police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Information about Wildlife Crime can be found on:
https://www.westmercia.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wc/wildlife-crime/
Officers are appealing for information following a sexual assault in Hereford.
At around 3.40pm on Wednesday 10 March a teenage girl was walking through an underpass that goes underneath Victoria Street (from the Sainsbury side to Tesco) when she became aware of a man trying to speak to her.
The man, who is described as around 6ft tall and in his early 20s, then sexually assaulted her. He left the scene when a member of the public walked into the underpass.
The suspect is described as wearing a face mask, hoody, a black puffa coat and is slightly chubby. It is believed he had walked from the direction of Tesco.
Investigating officer, Police Sergeant Mark Jones said: “While incidents like this are extremely rare, officers are in the area supporting and reassuring the local community and an investigation is under way.
“We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the suspect or recognises the description of him. Anyone with information is urged to contact 101 quoting reference 526i of 23 March, or alternatively information can be reported online through the Tell Us About section of our website.”
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a sexual assault and needs support can contact West Mercia’s Victim Advice Line. It is a free, independent and confidential support service. People can call 0800 952 3000 or visit the Victim Advice Line and do not have to have reported the offence to the police.
