Police called out multiple times to big groups of children gathering in a popular Harborough park

Police were called out multiple times to big groups of “kids” gathering in a popular Market Harborough park on Saturday night.

Officers went to Little Bowden Recreation Ground on Northampton Road after receiving calls from concerned residents living nearby.

The youths ran away as soon as they got there but police are now warning that the easing of Covid lockdown rules does not allow for large get-togethers in public places.

“Officers have attended multiple calls this evening at Little Bowden Rec regarding groups of kids on the park,” said Harborough police on Saturday night.

“When officers have got there they have dispersed prior to being spoken to.

“Remember we are still in a lockdown and trying to keep everyone safe!”

Officers based in Market Harborough will continue to regularly patrol the park in a bid to crack down on any anti-social behaviour.

“We would ask everyone to continue following the current Government guidance around gatherings,” said Leicestershire Police.

The latest incident comes after vandals destroyed seven young trees at Little Bowden rec last weekend.

This afternoon Cllr Phil King, who leads Harborough District Council, told the Harborough Mail: “I’m appealing to these kids to stay at home.

“I can understand their frustration and the fact that they are bored after we’ve been locked down for the last year.

“But that doesn’t mean to say that they should be gathering in huge groups in Little Bowden rec on a Saturday night.”

He also urged parents and carers to keep a close eye on their children.

“I’d as mums and dads, families and carers – do you know where your sons and daughters are?

“Do you know what they are up to?

“Do you know what they are doing?

“All too often vulnerable young men and woman are being exploited by older experienced criminals.

“They can be led into drinking and drugs as well as unwanted sexual activity,” warned Cllr King.

“And before you know it they have been lured into drug-dealing gangs such as County Lines and trapped into a dangerous web of crime.

“This can happen in Market Harborough, Lutterworth or Kibworth as quickly as anywhere else.

“So don’t fall into exploitation.

“Stay safe and be vigilant and on your guard at all times.”