Two arrested in ‘mayhem’ after 1,500 travellers pitch up at Christian festival
Two people have been arrested after hundreds of travellers attended a religious festival in Rutland, leaving residents ‘scared to leave their homes’.
Leicestershire Police said they had dealt with a number of possible offences, including attempted robbery, anti-social behaviour and driving infringements.
Around 1,500 travellers attended the mass Pentecostal Christian event called the festival of Light and Life at the Rutland Showground this weekend.
But residents reported mayhem in the quiet town and claimed there had been drag racing, anti-social behaviour and even looting, forcing some local businesses to close.
The owners of a showground have apologised as residents said they had spent a second day staying at home because they were too frightened to leave.
Schools even advised children not to walk alone for their own safety after the town became ‘over-run’ by travellers causing ‘absolute carnage.’
A nearby McDonald’s remained closed this morning with police stood at the entrance following reports youths terrorised staff and diners over the weekend.
One group of teenagers were seen jumping on car bonnets in the car park of a nearby garage and Aldi supermarket, which has stayed open.
Local businessman Carl Ford, 55, said most smaller firms were forced to close their doors and residents were avoiding the town due to ‘fears for their safety.’
He said: ‘The last 24 hours have been absolute carnage. They have been running amok and showing no respect for our town.
‘On top of antisocial behaviour I can’t imagine how many Covid breaches there have been.
‘They are packing in to tents like sardines and with the latest strain it is very worrying.
‘They were all racing up the Oakham bypass. It was like a race track up there last night. I’ve seen some police but not enough, they look out of control to me.
‘People are not coming into town over fears for their own safety. The police have mostly let it all happen, they are outnumbered.’
Another local, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘It’s been a nightmare. Our town has been over-run and they are leaving a lot of mess in the process.
‘I can’t fathom how this event has been allowed to go ahead. It just beggars belief the authorities haven’t close this down already.
‘I’m sure most of them are behaving but a minority have been causing mayhem and something needs to be done about it.
‘I’m scared to leave my own home and nobody should ever be made to feel like that.’
Another elderly resident added that it had made them feel ‘uneasy and a bit scared.’
Alica Kerns, the Conservative MP for Rutland and Melton, tweeted on Monday that she was working with the police and local council to clamp down on any further issues.
She said: ‘Last night there were more unacceptable disturbances and further intimidation of our community.’
Ms Kerns said she wanted to ‘Tackle the unacceptable noise levels… Stop the racing on Oakham Bypass (and) secure support for our businesses who should feel safe to remain open.’
She added: ‘Too many felt they had to close yesterday and today. The abuse of shop workers is appalling.’
In a statement, the Rutland Agricultural Society, which owns the showground, said it was aware the event was ‘causing disturbance to our neighbours’.
They said: ‘We wholeheartedly apologise for this [disturbance].
‘We agreed to the booking after assessing the organisers risk assessment and with the belief that this was an event primarily about Christian worship.
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‘However there is a minority of people who are disrupting the event and causing significant problems in and around the showground.
‘Our priority is to help maintain public order and minimise disruption and allow the event to refocus on its Christian worship as quickly and quietly as possible.’
Rutland County Council said it was not made aware of the event and that no application had been submitted in advance.
Leicestershire Police superintendent Jonny Starbuck added: ‘We have additional resources from the wider force to assist in dealing with issues that have been reported including an increase in anti-social behaviour, some criminal offences and driving offences.
‘This is an outdoor event which is legal. We have been working with the event organisers and partners to ensure that Covid rules are followed.
‘We are investigating a number of offences including attempted robbery and anti-social behaviour. Two arrests have been made so far.’
Anyone with any information is asked to report it online by clicking here and quoting reference log 186 of 19 June 2021 or by calling 101.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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