Officers to double up after stone attack

HOUSING officers will 'double up' when patrolling parts of Gospel Oak, after coming under attack from stone-throwing yobs.

Around 8.30pm on Tuesday March 17, council officers had stones hurled at them from youths at Barrington Court.

One of the officers, a 21-year-old man, was hit on the head and left with a gash.

A council spokeswoman said: "There will be a policy of patrols 'doubling up' at Barrington Court in the immediate future.

"This will mean at least 4 officers going to the location either in response to calls from the public or as part of pro-active patrolling of the area.

"We will also ensure that we progress joint patrols with the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team as resources allow, and work closely with them and other council officers in a bid to identify the perpetrators of the recent incidents."

Fears are also growing in the nearby Haverstock area Kentish Town that the yobbish behaviour which used to plague the area may be on the rise again.

Residents in ward, which has had a history of youth disorder, described how they had to endure a 'weekend of hell'.

On Saturday night at Queen's Crescent riot squad officers were called in to search the area after reports youths were preparing for a mass brawl.

When police arrived the youths fled leaving two knives and a number of bottles.

One resident told the Camden Community and Police support Group (CCPCG) that shopkeepers were scared to report any disorder to police fearing there will be retributions.

The resident said: "People are too scared to cross the road and go to the shop, the bus stop is always smashed up. No the weather is getting fine again the problems are coming back."

The stones were thrown by a group of approximately 9 black youths, wearing black and grey tracksuits, some with hoods up.

Anyone with information should call police on 020-8721 2015.