Police deliver warning letters to ‘aerosol trio’

The force helicopter hovers over Horncastle after three teenagers sparked a major police response. Picture: Richard Giles.

The teenagers sparked the alert after a resident reported hearing gun-like noises coming from a woodland in the early hours of the morning.

However, after the helicopter and armed officers from outside the area rushed to the scene, they discovered the teenagers throwing aerosols into a bonfire.

Police ‘escorted’ the trio home but it was understood no further action would be taken.

That led to criticism from many residents who contacted the Horncastle News to say the teenagers should receive some form of community order or told to pay compensation towards the cost of the operation.

However, officers have followed up by speaking to the trio with their parents present.

PCSO Nigel Wass explained: “The three hadn’t actually broken any laws but they have apologised for their actions.

“The warning letters have been issued as part of a national framework for dealing with incidents like this.

“We have responded as robustly as we can within the legislation.”

The letters warn that the trio could face further action if they are involved in any other ASB-related incidents in the next six months.

If they stay out trouble, the letters will then be withdrawn.

PCSO Wass added: “We have worked with anti-social behaviour officers at East Lindsey District Council and with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

“In addition, we (the police) and Fire and Rescue officers will be visiting a local school to advise students on the consequences of this type of behaviour.”

Meanwhile, police have confirmed three people were arrested following another incident involving ASB in the town.

Sergeant Andy Burtenshaw revealed a vehicle involved recent reports of ASB had been seized and the driver would face prosecution.

Officers are still investigating claims by town councillor Richard Barker that he was verbally assaulted by a driver in a road-rage incident in the town centre.

Coun Barker says he sent police a video of the alleged incident.

Coun Barker has been critical of police for failing to crackdown on ‘boy racers’ in the Market Place area.

Police say patrols have been stepped up and fines have been issued, and drivers have been spoken to.