Police Disperse Unauthorised Encampment Outside Eastleigh Railway Station

Police have moved on an unauthorised encampment that had formed outside Eastleigh Railway Station, following reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

The group is understood to have arrived at the station around 3.30pm on Monday afternoon (1 September). Later that evening, Hampshire Constabulary received reports of a group behaving anti-socially in the town centre, prompting a police response.

A 16 year old boy from Enfield was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage. He has since been released on bail while investigations continue.

After assessing the situation, officers exercised powers under Section 60c of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to order the group to leave the area. Police confirmed that the group has now vacated the site.

Inspector Andy Mooge of Eastleigh Police commented on the incident:

“I know this group had a considerable impact on the town centre on Monday night, and this is something we take extremely seriously.

“Our investigation into the behaviour of the group will continue, but it was important to us that we took lawful and proportionate steps to move the group on from the railway station.

“We work closely with landowners and our partners to ensure appropriate action is taken against unauthorised encampments within legal parameters.

“Our partnership work also seeks to identify locations where there has been criminality or disorder, and work together to try and prevent these sites being targeted in the future.”