Suspects identified over rooftop rock throwing

Police investigating reports of moss, mud and rocks being thrown from rooftops towards pedestrians and vehicles in Melton Mowbray town centre have identified suspects.

Leicestershire Police said in a social media post there had been a "significant increase" in anti-social behaviour in recent weeks and added it would be carrying out extra patrols.

The force said it had received 20 reports of anti-social behaviour in September and October in the area, with reports concentrated around High Street, Sherrard Street, Windsor Street and the Bell Centre.

Officers said a group of youths were believed to be responsible and work was ongoing to "prevent further offending".

Police said initial reports concerned children playing on scaffolding and the risk of falling - which then developed into reports that described moss, mud, rocks and other items being thrown from rooftops.

Officers said they were investigating reports a vehicle windscreen was damaged and mud struck a member of the public.

Pigeon spikes were also removed from the roof of the Bell Centre and thrown, with flowers also dug up and thrown from planters within the town.

A spokesperson for the force said: "As you may be aware, there has been a significant increase in anti-social behaviour within the town centre in recent weeks, with incidents affecting local businesses, residents, visitors, and those who work in the area.

"This behaviour is having a serious impact on people's sense of safety and wellbeing, and it is something that we are taking very seriously."

The force said it had obtained CCTV footage from a number of sources and had identified suspects.

When asked about anti-social behaviour in the town on Tuesday, Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall said it was "not acceptable".

Police added those present, yet not committing crime, would be dealt with for the anti-social behaviour through partnership working, and it was working with local businesses to secure access to these locations in a bid to "design out" this type of offending.

Joe Orson, portfolio holder for community safety, health, and rural affairs at Melton Borough Council, said it was "very disappointing" to hear reports of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

"Currently, we are supporting the police and partner organisations to deliver a co-ordinated multi-agency response to address these issues and support our communities," he added.

"We have a strong and established partnership with the police and other agencies, and this latest co-ordinated response builds on the work we already do together to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime across the borough."

Additional reporting by Ben Jackson, BBC Radio Leicester

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