Teenagers Arrested Over Racist Abuse

Police have arrested three youths following a racially aggravated incident that took place in Ringwood in August..

It happened at the Somerfield petrol station on the A31 west bound during the early hours of Sunday August the 1st.

A group of youths entered the shop and tried to steal items, they were challenged by the shop worker which led to one of the youths directing racially abusive comments towards him.

Another of the group used a water pistol to squirt water at the shop worker.

PC Claire Holmes said:

“Following a successful police investigation and an appeal in the media for witnesses, three youths from Bournemouth have been arrested on suspicion of their involvement in this offence.

 “Two of the youths, both 17-year-old boys, have been issued final warnings for theft and public order offences.. The third youth, an 18-year-old man, has been charged with racially aggravated public order.

“We will not tolerate behaviour like this and will robustly investigate all offences in order to identify and deal appropriately with those responsible.”

The 18-year-old charged with racially aggravated public order has been bailed to appear at New Forest Magistrates Court on November 12.