Rutland's PCC: Lessons must be learned following recent disturbances in Oakham

Rupert Matthews says he'll review what's gone off over the past few days when the time is right

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 24th Jun 2021

Rutland's Police and Crime Commissioner insists lessons will be learned from the commotion which's taken place in Oakham since the weekend.

A number of arrests have been made in the town over the past few days following an influx of visitors to Rutland Showground for a religious festival.

Rupert Matthews is confident the force will prevent any further disturbances:

"People are right to be worried about this event and what's been going on.

"However, we now understand the situation a bit better and the Police are on top of it."

Mr. Matthews says the organisers of the Light and Life event only expected around 200 people to turn up, and instead were faced with well over 1500 visitors:

"One person who spoke to me when I went down to Oakham on Monday was a retired old lady.

"She had five muscular, young men surrounding her and swearing at her, which is a frightening experience, and people have been scared.

"Now we know what's going on and the Council are stepping in with their measures, I believe it's time to calm things down a little bit, but this doesn't distract from everyone's concerns about what's happened.

"My role as the Police and Crime Commissioner is not to get involved in operational policing.

"However, it is my role after the event to have a look at what happened and to make sure that the police force learn lessons, so that if anything similar were to happen in future, then they'd be prepared for it."

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