Police appeal for help with Rainham moped gang

POLICE HAVE revealed that a spate of assaults – fortunately, leading only to relatively minor injuries – has been occurring in Rainham, along with other episodes of minor but worrying crime.

Members of the public have been asked to help the police clear up the crime hot spot by coming forward with any evidence they have relating to recent crimes and to tell police about any other incidents which they have not yet reported.

The first recent incident took place on Broadway at around 8.20pm on Tuesday, 4th August. Two men were seen riding recklessly on a moped: they had knives, and were lunging at members of the public. Police and the London Ambulance Service went out and found one victim who needed hospital treatment for head and leg injuries, which were – fortunately – not life-threatening.

Nearly half an hour later police were called to Upminster Road South, after two men armed with knives, who were using a moped, had staged an armed robbery. Again, police and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene. There was one victim, who had injuries to their hands. The London Ambulance Service gave the victim medical treatment at the scene before taking them to hospital. The injuries were assessed as not being life-threatening and the victim was later discharged.

Detective Sergeant Nathan Lee explained what the police were looking for, saying, “I am also seeking any information, footage or witnesses to any of these incidents to come forward. Witnesses also reported seeing the males riding a silver coloured moped, so would ask the local community or anyone with any further information to please contact police.”

The public were also assured that local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Violent Suppression Unit Taskforce will be actively patrolling the area.

•Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Chris Whiston or DS Nathan Lee of the East Area Investigations Command unit via 101 and quote reference Cad 7700/5Aug20. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

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