Police arrest four over disorder concerns

Hundreds of police officers were deployed in Yeovil on Saturday night

Four people were arrested in Yeovil on Saturday night during a large police operation put in place over concerns of possible disorder in the town.

Avon and Somerset Police said the arrests were for offences including a racially aggravated public order offence and possession of a knife.

Somerset commander Lisa Simpson said that after a small, peaceful protest took place, a different group caused officers "concern".

"They subsequently took swift action using the enhanced powers available to them," she added.

'Unrest was prevented'

As well as police having extra powers with a dispersal zone in place until 07.00 BST on Sunday, horse and dog units plus a drone team were deployed in Yeovil, along with officers from neighbouring forces.

Officers stopped and searched 14 people, while six people in the dispersal zone were directed away from the area.

Supt Lisa Simpson said "a relatively small peaceful protest" lasting a couple of hours happened in the grounds of St John's Church from 19.00 BST on Saturday.

"Fourteen people were stopped and searched using Section 60 powers, with officers seizing a knife during one of these searches," Supt Simpson said.

"Six people were dispersed, while four people are currently in custody having been detained for a variety of offences.

"I’ve no doubt this robust action prevented unrest on the streets of Yeovil tonight and I’d like to thank those officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and proactivity."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.