A Police Community Support Officer had to call for backup after his bicycle was stolen whilst he attempted to speak to a group of young men who were seen gathering in public.
The lone officer was met with intimidation and threatening language (scroll down for video) at the scene in Godolphin Playing Fields, Slough, at just before 8pm on Monday evening.
A video, recorded by one of the men involved, was uploaded to social media following the incident. It showed the cricket-playing group flouting the coronavirus lockdown rules, arguing and intimidating the PCSO.
In the incident, the officer had his bicycle taken from him and was accused of ‘harassment’ when he attempted to take it back. The group – all aged in their late teens and early 20s – continued to mock him before they all made off from the fields before his backup arrived. They left the bicycle when they fled, and it’s not believed to have been damaged.
Yesterday, police officers returned to the playing fields and found a group of men again playing cricket. They tried to flee but they were detained by pursuing officers and were subsequently issued with £60 coronavirus fines for the breach.
Superintendent Gavin Wongs said the officer was being supported by the force, and the behaviour towards his team won’t be tolerated.
The Local Policing Commander for Slough, commented:
“The behaviour displayed against my officer will not be tolerated by Thames Valley Police and we are investigating this incident fully.
“We are fully committed to supporting the fight against the coronavirus in order to save lives, and we need to remember that officers on the front line put themselves at risk in order to do that.
“I know the local community will be embarrassed by the actions of a small number of people because the vast majority of people understand what is required and have complied with the rules around Coronavirus. I am grateful that the PCSO was not injured and he is being supported by the force.
“He showed professionalism and great constraint during the incident.
“We are asking anyone who might have further information in connection with this incident to please come forward or knows anyone who might be involved to please come forward.
“We are particularly wishing to trace a man who is Asian, with a thin beard and moustache, short dark cropped hair, wearing what appears to be a black traditional robe, and black sliders.
“We are also looking to trace a man who was involved in riding on the bike who (was) wearing a dark T-shirt and trousers, we also looking to trace the other males who were present in the park and involved in the incident.
“Thames Valley Police and our officers are out in the community engaging and encouraging people to stay at home to protect the lives of everyone from the spread of Coronavirus. The behaviour shown towards our PCSO is completely unacceptable. He is being supported by the force.”
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