A man has been taken into custody after the police were met with around 500 people at a car meet who were deemed hostile. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said that some individuals in attendance had thrown stones at officers. According to reports, the event commenced at Winchester Park and Ride before travelling across Hampshire and ending on Southsea seafront just after midnight on Sunday. Police received reports of public disorder, dangerous and anti-social driving, and violence, which included an assault on a member of the public.
The police endeavored to engage with the group in Southsea, but the hostile crowd hurled stones at them. Hampshire Police stated that one driver was detained on suspicion of drug driving in Fareham. SnapChat videos feature large groups of people alongside cars noisily revving their engines and performing carefully crafted tricks.
Ch Insp Marcus Cator, recognizing that not all car enthusiasts who engage in social meetups are involved in criminal or anti-social behavior, stated that some individuals at the event demonstrated little consideration for the safety of themselves, other road users, or the local area. He further stated that the police service would analyze evidence to determine the extent of any possible offenses and deal with anyone who could be identified as being involved.
The police have appealed to anyone with knowledge or video footage of the meet to come forward. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones called the gatherings a “total blight on decent people’s lives.” In a post, she said the events were “criminal” and “dangerous” and insisted that they must come to an end
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