Chaos in quiet UK seaside town as drunken mob go on violent rampage | UK | News
Chaos broke out in Sidmouth on Tuesday evening when a large group of youths wreaked havoc on the town centre, prompting police to impose a section 35 dispersal order. Connaught Gardens, one of the most visited places in the town with its sea views and well-kept landscaping, was seriously damaged.
A greenhouse containing exotic plants was destroyed, while toilets, garbage bins and other glassed areas were also targeted. The order, which allows police to remove people from a certain area for 48 hours, followed reports that up to 100 young people were causing trouble.
Officers arrived shortly after 7.30pm to disperse the group. Although some teenagers were rounded up by their parents and some were left on their own, no arrests were made.
The dispersal order will remain in force in central Sidmouth until 8.15pm on New Year’s Day while investigations continue.
Police warned on Facebook: “Anyone found committing crime or anti-social behavior will be dealt with swiftly, including arrest where necessary. There will be zero tolerance for further disruption, damage or anti-social behavior in the area.”
Sidmouth City Council described the incident as “first and foremost a police matter” and expressed support for law enforcement. The council added: “Fortunately this behavior is unusual for Sidmouth and does not reflect the character of the vast majority of our young people.”
Major Stuart Hughes said: Sidmouth Herald Around 6pm he saw about 40 young people on Temple Street heading towards the city centre.
He said: “They should know better. There are plenty of decent kids but a minority is spoiling it for the majority.”
Other local councilors described the distribution order as unprecedented. Major Kelvin Dent said: “This is a very sad situation. I am unaware of anything of this scale going on in Sidmouth.” Cllr Chris Lockyear added: “I’ve never seen anything like this in my nine and a half years here.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident or anyone responsible to contact them on 101 or online using reference number 50250332031.
