Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Police are appealing for CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage following a large-scale disorder and assault on officers in Bideford.

Officers were called at 10.10pm on Friday 24 January following a report of antisocial behaviour being committed by a group of people at Bideford Quay.

The group of around seven people became aggressive and uncooperative when directed to leave the area by police.

A further disturbance happened outside The Kings Arms nearby and officers detained a man on suspicion of drunk and disorderly behaviour.

Officers were then subjected to a sustained verbal and physical assault from the group who tried to prevent the arrest.

Up to 15 people became involved with four officers being assaulted by multiple individuals as they carried out further arrests. Members of the public and door staff intervened to help them.

None of the officers sustained serious injuries.

Two 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man from Bideford, plus a 17-year-old girl from Barnstaple, were arrested on suspicion of affray, obstructing/resisting a constable in the execution of their duty, and assault on an emergency worker. They will attend a police station for a voluntary interview in due course.

A 21-year-old man from Appledore was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place and affray. He has been released on bail until 30 March pending further enquiries.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone who may have captured images or footage of the incident to contact them.

Chief Superintendent Dan Evans said: “Violence against police officers will not be tolerated and such incidents will be robustly investigated. This incident attracted a large crowd and we are asking for all available footage, whether from mobile phones, dashcams or CCTV, to assist us with our investigation.”

Please contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference 50250020171.