Eight teenagers – including some as young as 14 – have been arrested in connection to two robberies and a serious assault in Bedford town centre at the weekend.
Bedfordshire Police is appealing for information about the incidents which happened in quick succession from around 1.30am on Sunday (21 November).
It is believed the teens might have filmed themselves and shared the footage on platforms including SnapChat and they’re asking any parents who think their children might be involved, to come forward.
Pigeon Square
The first happened in Church Square – also known as Pigeon Square – off Greenhill Street, when a group of six or seven teenage boys attacked the victim and stole his mobile phone and bank card.
After being disturbed by a member of the public, the group then ran off past the bus station towards Greyfriars Police Station.
High Street/Castle Lane
Shortly afterwards, another man was attacked in an alleyway between the High Street and Castle Lane.
The victim suffered serious injuries in the attack and also had his mobile phone stolen.
CCTV operators informed the Police and when they got to the scene, the attackers fled on foot and pushbikes.
Aged between 14 and 18-years-old
Eight teenagers aged between 14 and 18, all from Bedford, were arrested in the area shortly afterwards in connection to the attack.
Acting Detective Sergeant Karl Heywood, from Bedfordshire Police CID, said: “These appear to be two deeply troubling, unprovoked attacks, with shocking levels of violence used in the second attack in particular.
“While we have made good progress with our investigation, I believe there will be people out there who saw those responsible for these robberies and can help us with our enquiries.
“This includes any businesses with CCTV in the Pigeon Square area, or even in the wider town centre area such as Midland Road, Harpur Street as well as the High Street, as this may have captured images crucial to our enquiries.
“I also believe people living near the High Street, Castle Lane and The Embankment area may have heard the second attack taking place.
“It is thought the attackers threw the victim’s mobile phone into an area of commercial and residential properties off Castle Lane, so someone may have found this since the robbery happened.
“We also think those responsible may have filmed themselves, so I would appeal to anyone who has seen any of this footage on something like Snapchat, as well as any parents who may have concerns their child was involved, to come forward and speak to us.
“Plus, if anyone was out in the early hours of the morning in the town centre and remembers coming across a group of teenagers who were on foot or pushbikes, please also get in touch.
“This is a really serious assault we are investigating and we owe it to our victims to secure them justice.”
The teenagers arrested have since been released on bail, pending further enquiries.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via bedfordshire.police.uk/report
Please quote reference 37 of 21 November.
You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org
