Police draw blank in “terrifying” mass brawl with weapons in Somerstown

A large number of police officers and force units with sirens blazing were seen near Cottage Grove Primary School, Chivers Close, around 5.30pm on Sunday October 6, as reported. A “terrified” resident described her terror as she witnessed shocking violence in Somers Road before revealing how one man tried to get into her garden. The large-scale public order incident also spilled out onto Cottage Grove.

The local said around 15 men ambushed a vehicle in Somers Road after crashing into it - leaving the vehicle blocked - before a “huge” fight erupted. “They all got out and started fighting with crowbars, hammers, metal bars and baseball bats. It was definitely planned,” the resident said.

The frightened woman said she was left fearing she would be embroiled in the incident as a man tried to enter her property. “It was so scary. At first the bang was so loud it sounded like gunshots but it was them smashing up the car. It was chaos. One tried to get into my garden…I had to lock my gate,” she said.

“He then tried to jump my gate before a Mercedes turned up. They all got in and drove off after the ones that legged it on foot.”

Police issued a public appeal over the public order incident and revealed four cars were involved in a collision before the violent scenes erupted. Now more than two weeks on from the lawless behaviour, police have said they are still yet to make any arrests.

A police spokesperson previously told The News: “We were called at 5.08pm on Sunday to the junction of Somers Road and Cottage Grove in Portsmouth. Four cars: a SEAT Leon, a Ford Focus, an E-Class Mercedes, and a 5 series BMW, were involved in a collision before a number of men were then seen to be involved in a fight. The men had dispersed before officers arrived at the scene.

“We have reviewed CCTV of the incident and enquiries are underway to establish what happened and who was involved. A number of suspected public order offences are thought to have been committed. No arrests have been made at this time.”

District Commander for Portsmouth, Superintendent Paul Markham said at the time: “Incidents of violence like this are rare in the city and will not be tolerated. Our initial enquiries suggest that all the parties involved may be known to each other, so there isn’t a wider risk identified to the public at this time. We will be robustly investigating this incident and will make arrests as appropriate as part of our enquiries.

“We are carrying out regular patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns should speak to these uniformed officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team or the local bobby (Designated Neighbourhood Officer) PC Clarke by e-mailing [email protected].”

Anyone who saw what happened or the vehicles in the area at the time should call 101 quoting 44240434203 or go online to:https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/