Update on Chell Heath incidents

A third arrest has been made as part of our ongoing investigation into reports of violence and criminal damage in Chell Heath.

It happened at about 2.20pm on Monday (8 September) when a group of men with handheld weapons were seen fighting on Chell Heath Road. They were seen holding baseball bats and a car jack.

Armed officers carried out an area search for the suspects at the time, but no weapons were recovered.

One man was found at the scene with a head injury. He refused medical treatment.

Then, at about 3.30pm, we received another report of a group of people fighting with weapons in the same area. They were reportedly damaging a car with baseball bats, hammers and a piece of wood.

Detectives and staff from our criminal investigations department (CID) worked rapidly to review CCTV footage from the area and carry out enquiries to find out more about what happened. Two men from Stoke-on-Trent, aged 36 and 30, were both arrested on suspicion of affray. They have been questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our enquiries continue.

A 39-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, has also been arrested on suspicion of affray. He remains in custody.

At this stage, we believe these incidents to be isolated. Neighbourhood officers are continuing to increase patrols around the area to provide extra reassurance to local residents and businesses.

We’re asking anyone who saw what happened or those with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage of the area at the time to get in touch with us. A dedicated public portal has been set up for people to report anything they know about these incidents here: Public Portal