Three teenagers arrested in Taunton
Police say it's in connection with a number of incidents in the town last week - two of the young people arrested were taken in on hate crime offences
Last updated 10th Aug 2023
Three teenage girls have been arrested in Taunton.
Police say it's in connection with a number of incidents in the town last week, with officers adding investigations into exactly what happened continue.
They are treating the incident, involving the two younger teenagers, as a hate crime following information provided by the victims.
Between August 3rd and August 5th, police have revealed a number of people were verbally assaulted and harassed in the town.
A 13 and 14 year old were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences on August 3, and were later released under investigation.
In relation to the incident on the 5 August, the same two girls were arrested on suspicion of harassment.
The 14-year-old was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
Also on the 5 August, a third girl, aged 17, was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
The 17-year-old has been released under investigation while the other two teenagers have been released on police bail.
Neighbourhood Inspector Mike Griffiths said: "There is no home for hate in our communities and we understand the impact this can have on those who are targeted because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.
"We would like to reassure them that we are working hard to crack down on these offences and hold those accountable to justice.
"There will be increased police patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the community and we are working with our multi-agency partners, including the local authority, social services and youth offending teams."