Police cracking down on youth crime in town centre

Police officers have started an operation to tackle anti-social behaviour in one Somerset town as residents say it is a big problem in their community.

Avon and Somerset Police say the operation in Bridgwater follows 450 youth related incidents over the past year.

Officers confirmed the operation has led to a number of arrests – including 10 children for alleged offences including assault, criminal damage and possession of bladed weapons or illegal drugs.

Residents Steve Apelt, 62, said: "My mother is 94, I tried to walk with her and nearly got knocked over. There's swearing and shouting. And just generally, it just doesn't seem to be controlled, sadly."