A BRAWL broke out in broad daylight in Stratford town centre yesterday (Thursday May 23).
Five people have been arrested after armed police responded to reports of a weapon being used in a violent disorder in Bridge Street at around 4.10pm.
CCTV images show one of the suspects was armed with a knife.
Five boys suspected to have been involved have been arrested and an investigation has been launched.
A 15-year-old boy from Coventry, a 15-year-old boy from Stratford and a 14-year-old boy from Stratford were all arrested on suspicion of assault.
A 16-year-old boy from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of affray.
A 14-year-old boy from Stratford was arrested on suspicion of assault and affray.
A boy suffered minor cuts to his back in the incident.
Insp Ben Hembry, safer neighbourhood lead for the Stratford area, said: “This was an appalling level of violence in broad daylight in a busy area of Stratford.
“Police were quickly on the scene to identify those we believe to have been responsible and arrest them. At this time we believe those involved were known to each other.
“Fortunately, nobody was badly hurt in the incident, but it could have been so much worse.
“I can assure local people that we will do everything in our power to identify those responsible for the disorder and ensure they are held to account for their actions. We will send a clear message that this level of violence will not be tolerated.”
Any witnesses or anyone who has video footage of the incident are asked to contact police via https://tinyurl.com/5e8mz6xp or by calling 101, quoting incident 224 of May 23.
Information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
