Police face calls to take action after bin men filmed fighting in Chatham
Published: 11:38, 29 July 2021
Updated: 15:20, 29 July 2021
Kent Police is facing increased pressure to take action after bin men were filmed brawling with members of the public in Chatham town centre.
Footage posted on social media earlier this month showed the hi-vis clad workers fighting, shouting and waving chairs around at the junction of the High Street and Military Road.
Medway Norse – the council-owned company which runs bin collections and street cleaning in the Towns – subsequently confirmed the men had been dismissed from their roles and said the company was helping with police inquiries.
But more than three weeks after the fight, police say no arrests have been made and the investigation continues.
Medway Labour councillor Tristan Osborne – a former police officer and Kent Police and Crime Commissioner candidate – said the fact no charges had been brought was "most odd", adding: "I’m genuinely surprised we haven’t seen a caution here at the very least.
"This type of violence in full public view with multiple witnesses and visual documentary evidence should really be a shut book case in terms of process for Kent Police once a motive has been established.
"This is not solely an employment matter; they were working on behalf of the council and the public. The employer has quickly acted and with the volume of evidence there is clearly a public interest in this case.
"Violence should never be tolerated, directed at, or [perpetrated] by a members of staff, and should be treated as any other criminal office. I look forward to a speedy resolution to Kent Police investigations and public confidence upheld."
District commander for Medway, Chief Inspector Ian Dyball, said: "At around 5.10pm on July 5 our officers were called to a disturbance which involved a group of men in Chatham High Street.
"Patrols attended the scene and gathered information from several witnesses. An investigating officer is continuing to conduct inquiries to establish the full circumstances and ensure the most appropriate course of action is taken. As part of these inquiries, they are working with partners to confirm the identifies of those involved.
"We remain keen to hear from anyone with information on the incident and are particularly keen to hear from those with video footage who are yet to speak with us."
Anyone who can assist is asked to call 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/118487/21.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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Chris Hunter