Youths involved in disorder in Haydon End (From Swindon Advertiser)

Youths involved in disorder in Haydon End

2:13pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Web Team

WILTSHIRE Police are appealing for information following a large scale disorder and serious assault in North Swindon believed to have been arranged through social media.

The incident happened on March 6 in a field close to Haydon End, between 7pm and 8pm.

Officers received several calls from members of the public stating that between 30 - 50 youths were seen gathering in and around residential streets in Haydon End including Prospero Way, Havisham Drive, Hardy Close and Mazurek Way.

They were on the scene within minutes of the first call and conducted thorough searches of the area for the youths who had quickly dispersed as police arrived.

During the disorder a teenager sustained a knife wound across the lower stomach, which required hospital treatment.

A 16-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm and released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

Swindon CID are leading this investigation and know who the youths involved are.

Detective Sergeant Liz Coles, from Swindon CID, said: “We are treating this incident very seriously and we believe that this could escalate.

“There have already been reports of further incidents connected to this and we are putting sufficient resources into targeted patrols to ensure there are no further incidents of disorder or violence.

“Anyone using a social networking site to arrange a fight should be warned that we will be able track you down by your electronic footprint and that this is a serious offence on its own.

“I am appealing for anyone with information on this incident, be that from the scene itself or from something you may have seen on social networking site, to contact Wiltshire Police immediately.

“I would also ask any parents who might have heard or seen something from their children to get in touch.

“All information will be treated in confidence and even the smallest piece of information might prove crucial to this investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.