Police warn young people planning disruption at Costa Coffee in Bury St Edmunds' arc will be dealt with 'robustly'
Police have warned young people who may be planning to engage in anti-social behaviour at Bury St Edmunds' arc shopping centre at the weekend that they will be dealt with 'robustly'.
Inspector Matt Paisley has issued a letter to parents through schools in response to a social media post which incited anti-social behaviour at Costa Coffee in the arc.
It follows an incident at Costa on Sunday in which a group of six or seven youths were reported to be damaging tables outside the coffee shop.
A 12-year-old boy, along with a 13-year-old girl and 13-year-old boy who were both from Bury, were initially arrested on suspicion of causing harassment, alarm or distress under section 5 of the Public Order Act.
The trio were then taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre, where the 12-year-old, who is from the Brandon area, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife or bladed article and on suspicion of possessing cannabis.
They were released under investigation pending further inquiries.
Last night, the 13-year-old boy was re-arrested on suspicion of incitement to cause criminal damage.
He was taken to Bury Police Investigation Centre for questioning and has been released on bail until October 22 pending further enquiries.
In the letter to parents, Insp Paisley said: "Suffolk Police are aware of the recent social media activity relating to an incident that occurred at the arc in Bury St Edmunds last weekend, along with plans for a selection of young people to attend the arc this weekend.
"We strenuously recommend that you speak with your child/children about this matter, and pass any information to Suffolk Police.
"If your child has intentions on attending this location on this weekend, we advise you to ensure that it does not happen.
"We are working with our partners to ensure the safety of the wider public, and businesses operating in Bury St Edmunds area, is not put at risk, and warn any people against participating in any criminal or anti-social behaviour.
"Those that do can expect to be robustly dealt with by police officers as appropriate."
A Suffolk Police spokesman said: "We are aware of threats and comments being made, officers are alert to that and will be in place to respond to any criminal activity or anti-social behaviour on site."
