Coronavirus: Children arrested after group of Chinese people assaulted in Southampton

Police say that the incident was racially aggravated and linked to the coronavirus outbreak.

Three boys from Southampton were arrested on suspicion of affray. They are: a 13-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy and an 11-year-old boy. They all remain in custody at this time.

It follows the arrest of two girls on Saturday, a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl, both from Southampton. They have been released from custody on bail while enquiries continue.

The incident occurred on March 17 just after 8pm in Vincent’s Walk, Southampton.

Police have said that a group of people had assaulted and been abusive towards a group of four Chinese people wearing medical face masks.

The victims, three men and one woman, are all aged in their early 20s. They did not suffer any lasting physical injuries.

Anyone who has information to help the investigation into this incident should call 101 quoting 44200101024.

Any crime perpetuated through ignorance, prejudice or hate is unacceptable.

Hampshire Constabulary say that they are working with their partners and the local Chinese communities and would encourage everyone to report incidents to them either by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Reports can also be made online on the Hampshire Constabulary website, through True Vision or using the growing network of Third Party Reporting Centres for hate crime.