More than 200 people held in city crime crackdown

More than 200 people were arrested in a month-long police operation in Nottingham city centre.

Nottinghamshire Police launched Operation Listing to crack down on crime in the Old Market Square area after a machete confrontation outside the Council House, near the city's annual Winter Wonderland event, on 16 November.

During the operation, which took place in December, a total of 201 people were arrested in the area on suspicion of a range of offences, including drug dealing, carrying a bladed article, assault and breaching bail conditions.

Earlier the force had initially said all but four of those arrested were under 18, but has since clarified just 24 of the people detained were children.

A total of 51 people were also banned from entering the city centre as part of their bail conditions, which also included a ban on wearing face coverings.

Police seized 31 illegal e-bikes during the operation and issued 29 dispersal notices to prevent people from returning to the city centre.

Assistant Chief Constable Suk Verma said officers remained "committed to making the city centre a no-go area for anyone who wishes to commit crime".

But he added: "Crime, and in particular youth crime, cannot be solved by the police alone.

"We will continue to work with statutory and non-statutory partners to ensure effective coordination.

"Also, parents and guardians have a responsibility to ensure their children are not carrying weapons or involved in acquisitive crime such as drug dealing or theft."

A 23-year-old man has been charged in connection with the machete confrontation in Old Market Square.

Daniel Drazewski, of Norwood Road, Nottingham, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court in December charged with violent disorder and possessing a knife or bladed article in a public place.

He is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday.

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