Police in Harrogate have made six arrests – including a 15-year-old boy – during a national week of action to target County Lines drug dealing.
North Yorkshire Police made a total of 26 arrests across the county, seizing cash, suspected drugs, mobile phones and weapons including two machetes, three samurai swords, two knuckledusters and a pistol.
The week of action took place from Monday, October 9 to Sunday 15 and was coordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre.
Across the county, officers executed 14 warrants, seized over £70,000 in cash suspected to be linked to criminality, as well as several class A, B and C drugs, including 1-2 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of £70,000 from one vehicle in Scarborough.
Teams from across the force carried out proactive enforcement against people with suspected links to drugs offences, as well as patrols at rail and bus stations with a specialist drugs dog.
A plain-clothes police officer on a County Lines drugs raid.
Harrogate arrests
In Harrogate, the County Lines Intensification Week saw five incidents result in arrests.
In one, police stopped a vehicle on Cheltenham Parade and searched a 24-year-old man. They found 10 bags of compressed white powder, a knuckleduster, scales, cash and four mobile phones. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class-A drug, interviewed and released under investigation.
In a separate incident, officers from the force’s Expedite Team witnessed a suspected drug deal taking place on Albany Avenue in Harrogate and arrested a 27-year-old man for being concerned in the supply of a class-A drug. He was interviewed and released under investigation.
British Transport Police arrested a 15-year-old boy for theft and being concerned in the supply of a class-A drug and a class-B drug. A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class-A drug and class-B drug. Both were released on conditional bail.
Acting on a tip-off, North Yorkshire Police investigated suspicious activity taking place at a property linked to the supply of drugs. They searched a 36-year-old man and found class-A drugs, scales and a mobile phone.
The man was ultimately charged with eight offences relating to the possession and supply of cocaine, heroin and cannabis and remanded in custody to appear at York Magistrates’ Court.
Finally, officers from the force’s Operation Expedite team stopped a vehicle on Church Lane in Harrogate that had been identified as being linked to drug supply. They arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of drug driving and entering the UK illegally. He was released under investigation for the driving offence and passed to immigration officials to be dealt with.
Safeguarding
County Lines takes its name from the mobile phone lines used by dealers to communicate between towns and advertise drugs for sale. Vulnerable people – including children – are forced to deal drugs and dealers will often use local properties as a base for their activities; this is often acquired by force and referred to as ‘cuckooing’.
As part of the week of action, proactive safeguarding and welfare checks were conducted at hotels and bed and breakfasts where vulnerable people are known to be living. In total, officers safeguarded 73 people who are known or suspected to be vulnerable to county lines exploitation.
The force also held County Lines drop-in stalls in public areas for engagement within communities and members of the public.
Read more:
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- Police arrest five in Harrogate as part of national county lines action
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Detective chief inspector Andrew Simpson, who led the initiative for North Yorkshire Police, said:
“Last week’s targeted activity demonstrates how we are working tirelessly to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs and protect the young and vulnerable in our communities who are exploited by them.
“It’s important to stress that this is just one week’s activity, and this type of disruption and safeguarding is taking place in communities across North Yorkshire all year round.
“As a force we are committed to cutting these County Lines and to protecting vulnerable people. But we cannot do this alone, our work with partners is important and we also need the support of the public.
“It’s vital that everyone who cares for or knows young and vulnerable people understands the issue and knows the warning signs.”
Children
To help raise awareness among children, the force worked with Christina Gabbitas, the popular children’s author of the No More Knives and Trapped by County Lines campaigns, to deliver talks alongside neighbourhood policing officers in several schools across the county.
Christina said:
Trains stopped amid ‘concerns for safety’ of teenager on Crimple Valley viaduct“After the success of working together with North Yorkshire Police, I was commissioned to write a sequel story Trapped in County Lines.
“The story aims to educate children and young people on the dangers of becoming involved with county lines through the power of storytelling.
“Children and young people can sadly be victims of exploitation from organised crime groups. County Lines is a harsh reality of life, and in my opinion shouldn’t be sugar coated.”
Trains on the Harrogate line were stopped this morning after emergency services were called to deal with concerns for the safety of a teenager on Crimple Valley viaduct.
The concerns were first reported to police just after 5.30am, and both North Yorkshire Police and British Transport Police attended the scene.
They were joined by staff from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, while North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was on stand-by to help if needed.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:
“Police negotiators brought [it] to a safe conclusion just before 8.30am.
“A man aged in his late teens was checked over my paramedics and he is receiving medical support.”
Train services on the line had to be replaced by buses for a number of hours while police dealt with the incident.
The line is now clear, though Northern said delays to services could last “for some time due to displaced trains and crew”.
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Two girls arrested after trespassing on Harrogate rail tracks
Two girls have been arrested for trespassing on the railway at Harrogate Station and racially abusing a member of staff.
British Transport Police confirmed officers attended the station at 8pm on Monday, May 15, to reports of two teenagers on the track.
The girls, aged 14 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of trespassing and racially abusing a member of staff.
A British Transport Police spokesperson told the Stray Ferret that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
In response to the incident, Tony Baxter, regional director for Northern, said:
“Last month, two females climbed a security fence from a car park adjoining the railway at Harrogate station and trespassed on the tracks.
“During our attempts to remove the women from what is a very dangerous environment, they gave verbal abuse and made racist remarks towards a member of Northern staff.
“This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and the matter was referred to British Transport Police.”
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The incident has raised questions about safety after Northern was reported to be planning to remove staff from the ticket gate at the station.
Andrew Whitworth, vice-chairman of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, said:
“I think the point about the safety benefit of an extra pair of eyes on what is the busiest platform is a very good additional argument for keeping staff there.
“It is of course a busy exit – used by people living on that side of town, by car park users and people who use it as a drop off point (eg taxis are often called there, especially as it’s the main platform for London trains).
“Meanwhile Northern said they were setting barriers to reject any ticket which had been bought with a railcard so that the railcard could be checked – to then remove staff from the barriers would create a lot of inconvenience.
“Northern have argued that closing ticket offices would lead to more staff available to help customers on the platforms – this proposal suggests that they are intent on removing staff everywhere.”
Northern has not commented on the reports that it is considering removing staff from barriers. It also did not respond to questions about the safety implications of removing ticket staff after the incident on May 15.
Harrogate man jailed for spitting on pensioner at train stationA Harrogate man has been jailed after spitting on a pensioner’s head at Leeds train station.
Aaron Peter Wilson, 43, of Hookstone Road, was found guilty of assault and jailed for four weeks.
York Magistrates Court heard how, on Sunday, September 25, Wilson started shouting aggressively at the 66-year-old victim and his wife as they walked past him.
Wilson continued to shout at the couple after they ignored him.
The victim turned around and told Wilson to go away. After this then spat at the victim’s head.
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A security guard at the station contacted British Transport Police. When they attended Wilson became increasingly aggressive towards them and was arrested.
Investigating officer PC Anthony Sutcliffe said:
“This was a disgusting and unprovoked attack on a gentleman and his wife who were just minding their own business making their way across the station.
“We will never tolerate behaviour like this and Wilson must now realise the implications of his outburst.
“If you witness or are victim of abuse or assault on the railway you can text us discreetly on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.
“In an emergency always call 999.”
Wilson was also ordered to pay £75 compensation.
Police searching for missing Harrogate 73-year-old woman find a bodyPolice searching for missing Harrogate woman Judith Holliday have found a body near the railway at North Rigton.
Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the 73-year-old’s family have been informed and are being supported.
Due to the location of the body, British Transport Police is leading the investigation and will establish circumstances surrounding the death.
Rail and road closures have been in place following the report, which was made just after 12.20pm today.
Police say one lane of the A658 at North Rigton has now reopened, however officers remain at the scene.
Ms Holliday left her care home on Harcourt Road in Harrogate at 10.32am two weeks ago today on Saturday, August 27. She was then captured on CCTV at Harrogate bus station and later in Library Gardens at 10.43am.
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It is believed she then caught a bus out of Harrogate and then flagged down a member of the public and asked for a lift to North Rigton, where the last confirmed sighting took place.
Police used a drone to search for Ms Holliday in large open areas around North Rigton and Lindley Wood Reservoir.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret last week, her niece Lucinda Edwards appealed for her safe return and praised the response of the community.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:
Appeal for man following Knaresborough train station robbery“We thank everyone who has supported the missing person inquiry.
“Our thoughts are with Judith’s family.”
British Transport Police has put out an appeal to find a man in his 20’s following a report of a robbery at Knaresborough Train Station in September.
The man the police are looking for was described as 20 to 25 years old, of slim build and wearing a grey tracksuit top and bottoms. He was with a woman with blonde hair.
The robbery was reported between 6.25pm and 6.30pm on Saturday, September 25 on the Leeds bound platform.
A British Transport Police statement said:
“A man is reported to have been assaulted and had his bank card stolen. Officers are appealing for information from anyone who was in the area at the time.”
To report information contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. Use the reference number 529 of 25/09/21.
Or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Appeal after man robbed at Knaresborough station
Police are appealing for information after a man was robbed at Knaresborough railway station.
The victim had his personal belongings, including his wallet, stolen at around 6.25pm on September 25.
The robbery followed an altercation with a group of people on the platform of the station.
A British Transport Police statement said:
“One man in the group is described as white, in his early twenties, of slim build and wearing a grey tracksuit top and bottoms.
“Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to assist their enquiries.
“Witnesses, or anyone with information, can contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 529 of 25/09/21.
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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Woman sexually assaulted at Harrogate train station
Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following a sexual assault at Harrogate Station.
A woman waiting for a train was approached by a man who tried to strike up a conversation with her shortly after 7pm on Saturday August 7.
The woman turned away but the man continued to speak before sexually assaulting her.
British Transport Police said in a statement today:
“Officers believe the man in the image may have information which could help their investigation.”
If you recognise him, or have any information, you can contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference number 567 of 07/08/21.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
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Harrogate services back on track after person hit by train
Harrogate services are back on track after a person was hit by a train this morning near Leeds.
Trains on the Northern line between York, Harrogate and Leeds as well as the LNER line between London and Leeds were cancelled.
The incident was first reported to British Transport Police (BTP) at 8am. Full service was restored shortly after 10am.
Paramedics also attended reports of a casualty on the tracks near Horsforth in Leeds and took the person to hospital.
BTP has since said it is not currently treating the incident as suspicious.
While the line is now clear, it is likely that there will continue to be disruption between Harrogate and Leeds for the rest of the day.
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British Transport Police (BTP) said in a statement:
“British Transport Police were called to the line in Leeds at 7.59am today following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
“Paramedics also attended, and a person has been taken to a local hospital.
“This incident is not being treated as suspicious.”
National Rail said in a statement:
Drivers ‘dice with death’ at Starbeck level crossing“The emergency services have dealt with the incident between Horsforth and Leeds and all lines have reopened.
“Trains between Harrogate and Leeds may continue to be delayed, cancelled or revised whilst the service returns to normal.”
Drivers who try to beat the level crossing on Starbeck’s High Street have been told they are “dicing with death” and can expect to be fined.
British Transport Police said yesterday it has recorded 12 incidents at the crossing this month, so has put out a warning to anyone thinking of trying it.
Shocking video from the dash cam of a police car captured the moment a 4×4 driver ignored the signals and lowering barriers.
There are cameras at the crossing and BTP said it will increase patrols. It recorded two incidents in one day on both January 8 and January 14.
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Officers are investigating each incident and have said drivers can get points on their licence and a hefty fine as a result.
Inspector Andy Roberts said:
“Level crossing safety procedures are there for a reason.
“By trying to beat the system you risk your own lives and potentially the lives of passengers and the driver of the oncoming train.
“A fine and a few points on your licence is a lucky escape considering what the outcome can be if you dice with death on a level crossing.
“Have a little patience and wait until it’s safe to cross, it really isn’t worth risking your life in order to save a few minutes.”
Darren Lord, the route level crossing manager for Network Rail, said:
“There is simply no excuse to ignore the warning signs, lights and barriers at level crossings. Doing so is incredibly selfish and puts other people’s lives at risk, as well as your own.
“We’re working closely with the British Transport Police to investigate these incidents and we encourage anyone to report any instances of misuse at a level crossing to them.”
