Searches conducted and boy arrested as officers remain in Thornhill following serious assault

Officers investigating the serious assault of a 17-year-old boy in Thornhill on Saturday (15 July) have now made an arrest, as we remain in the area today conducting enquiries.

We received reports that between 8pm and 9.15pm, the boy was assaulted in Hinkler Green and suffered a non-life threatening wound to his leg, suspected to have been caused by a knife.

We have now arrested a 16-year-old boy from Southampton on suspicion of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. He remains in custody at the current time.

In response to the assault, we also implemented additional stop and search powers in Thornhill and the surrounding areas under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

The emergency powers were in place between 12pm on Sunday and 11.45am today (Monday 17 July).

Police have been in the area patrolling and acting on any suspicious behaviour. As a result, we have stopped and searched two 16-year-old boys on Montague Avenue, two 15-year-old boys on Farringford Road and two 17-year-old boys on Peartree Avenue. No weapons were found.

Southampton Superintendent Phil Lamb said: “We know that you, as Southampton residents, are concerned following this incident and a number of recent reports of violence in the city. Please be assured that this level of violence and the use of weapons will not be tolerated by police. We are working relentlessly to tackle this issue alongside our statutory and third sector partners and will respond to all reports and information coming in to us.

“In regards to this particular incident, officers have been the area since the assault was reported to us we have been conducting extensive house to house enquiries, collecting relevant Ring Doorbell footage and speaking to witnesses and residents in the area. We have been working with local businesses and bus companies in order to collect any CCTV or dash cam footage from the area at the time of the assault, and we are also utilising resources from our dog unit to assist us with forensics.

“You will see officers in the area over the coming days and we ask that you speak to them with any concerns, questions or information that you may have. While the Section 60 powers have now come to an end, we are able to implement these again at any time, and we will use further powers if needed in order to prevent this kind of disorder from happening.

“Publicising this operation not only allows us to tell the community what we are doing and why, but also prevents further incidents of violence occurring in the first place and sends out a clear message to those carrying weapons that we will not tolerate it.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public for their ongoing support in us taking this action and reassure you that we have had increased patrols in the Thornhill area over the past few weeks in response to an increase in reported violence. These patrols will continue, while in the background we are working alongside partners, schools and wider support services to identify those who are repeatedly intent on causing harm.

"Most of these recent incidents have involved young people. As such, I need parents and carers to help us  tackle this - do you know where your children are and what they're getting involved in? If you have any concerns and don't want to speak to police there are a number of organisations you can go to for support or advice, including Fearless, No Limits and Crimestoppers. You can also visit one of Southampton City Council's Family Hubs. These are located on Cutbush Lane, Byron Road and Foxcott Close.

“You can always be confident to report concerns you have about serious violence or people carrying weapons. You are our eyes and ears in the community and we can only prevent and tackle these incidents with your support.”

 

You can report to us by calling 101 or visiting our website at www.hampshire.police.uk

You can also report 100% anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For support and advice you can also contact Fearless at https://www.safe4me.co.uk/contact/ or No Limits at https://nolimitshelp.org.uk/contact-us/

In an emergency – if a crime is in progress or there is likelihood of injury to someone always call 999.