Police call on people going into Harborough town centre for a drink this weekend to 'socialise safely and responsibly'

Police chiefs are calling on people going into Market Harborough town centre for a drink this weekend to enjoy themselves but behave.

Insp Siobhan Gorman, who’s in charge of Harborough police, said she would take action to keep the community safe if she had to.

The senior officer is urging people to “socialise safely and responsibly” after trouble flared on the High Street in Market Harborough last Saturday night as pubs re-opened after three months.

“This weekend, across the area – including in Market Harborough – officers are continuing to plan ahead of an anticipated busy weekend,” said Leicestershire Police.

“As part of this, police in Market Harborough have been working closely with partner agencies, including Harborough District Council, to plan for the upcoming weekend.”

Insp Gorman, Neighbourhood Policing Area Commander for Harborough and Wigston, declared: “Our top priority will always be to keep our communities safe and we will take action when required.

“Following last weekend, our work continues and we are working fully with our partners to ensure people can have a safe and enjoyable time in the area at the weekend.”

She stressed: “Last weekend was very busy and the majority of people did have a good and safe night out in the area.

“Sadly, though, we did have to authorise a Section 34 dispersal order later on in the evening in the town centre following some incidents of low-level public disorder.”

The emergency order gave officers the power to require people to leave the area immediately.

Police acted to “reduce the risk of causing harassment, alarm or distress to the local community and to reduce the risk of any further public order”.

The eight-hour order was in place between 11pm on Saturday July 4 and 7am on Sunday July 5.

“Working with local licensees, once the order was put in place the majority of those gathered left the area peacefully,” said Leicestershire Police.

“To prevent any further incidents of disruption, a number of premises made the decision to close their doors early.”

Insp Gorman added: “We simply want to ensure that people who are coming out into the area – or anywhere else across Leicestershire and Rutland – are looking after themselves, are drinking responsibly, socialising safely and having an enjoyable time out.

“Please make sure you plan your night, stay with your friends and that you have plans in place to get home safely.

“In return my team, who have continued to work tirelessly throughout the whole lockdown period, will be out in the area once again, working with you to keep you and our communities safe and protected.

“We look forward to seeing you and do hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.”

A 26-year-old man is serious but stable in hospital after he suffered head injuries when he was attacked in last Saturday night’s disturbance in Market Harborough.

A man of 21 from Market Harborough was arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) following the assault.

He has since been released on bail pending further police enquiries.

A teenage girl of 18 from Market Harborough was also dragged to the ground and punched in the face by a lout outside the Sugar Loaf pub on the High Street.