Police attack linked to notorious gang

6:33am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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Police officers are on high-alert after linking the daylight town centre mob attack on two constables to one of Croydon's biggest criminal gangs.

At the weekend, officers were warned for their safety as intelligence sources claimed Don't Say Nothing (DSN) gang members were upset at recent police activity and were planning to retaliate.

A section 60 order, which allows police officers to stop and search anyone fitting a gang profile "in anticipation of violence", was issued by the duty superintendent across the whole borough to prevent armed attacks.

Officers from South Norwood's uniformed tasking unit (UTU) also patrolled the streets of Croydon stopping suspected gang members.

A section 60 order is likely to be in place this weekend.

The two officers were hospitalised with bite injuries and bruising last Wednesday after a 30-strong mob attacked them in broad daylight in the town centre.

The officers saw a teenage girl drop a fast food wrapper from a nearby takeaway and asked her to pick it up. She did so, but in a show of defiance, dropped it on the ground again.

When the officers asked her again to pick up the rubbish her friend became aggressive towards them and the officers had to call for back-up after getting quickly surrounded by an angry crowd of mostly youths.

Witnesses described the incident. Holly Charles, 16, a shop worker, said: "A girl was held down by an officer. The men jumped on that officer, hit and punched him to try to get him off her. The other officer pulled out a baton and pepper spray and sprayed the girl. He waved the baton around to stop the mob from getting closer.

"I thought someone was going to get seriously hurt. It was really scary. The police officers were not in control of either the schoolgirl or the men."

Charlie Giles, 21, who works at Phones4u said: "I saw an officer swinging his baton around trying to keep the crowd away from the other officer. The girl looked like she was resisting arrest and was screaming and shouting at the officer. It was mayhem."

Following the incident, Croydon Council told its own private police force, the Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers (NEOs), by email, not to tackle teenagers for fear of similar attacks.

But 24-hours later council officials back-tracked on the order, claiming a junior officer had issued the email without authorisation.

Croydon Council and the police issued a joint statement, claiming the town centre was safe. It said: "It is deeply unfortunate that a small minority of people have sought to prevent the police carrying out their duties. This is a highly unusual incident but it will not deter us from taking action against antisocial behaviour and low-level criminality.

"Over the school holidays we will continue to police the town centre firmly but fairly so that all can enjoy the activities on offer."