Live updates: Taxi driver injured in brawl between youths and a male in Brislington - one teenager arrested
A taxi driver was wounded during the incident
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A major police operation took place in Brislington in Bristol after an incident involving a taxi driver late last night.
West Town Lane, next to Lidl supermarket, was closed off from around 9pm to 11.30pm as police and ambulance crews responded to the call-out. Neighbours also reported seeing drones and a police helicopter being used as part of the emergency operation.
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Avon and Somerset Police have said the taxi driver was injured during an altercation between a number of youths he was dropping off, and a male at house. A male has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent causing grievous bodily harm.
Neighbours said officers were then seen searching nearby streets and gardens as people stayed in their homes.
Information as we get it will be provided below:
Key Events
Full police statement
“One person has been arrested following an incident in Brislington last night (Sunday 21 May) in which a taxi driver was wounded.
“The victim, who is in his 50s, dropped a number of youths off at West Town Lane. An altercation is then believed to have occurred at a residential property involving the group and a male, with a car and the building sustaining damage.
“Subsequently the male is reported to have pursued the group back towards the taxi while in possession of a bladed article. In the process of the incident, an injury was caused to the driver.
“Officers on patrol found the injured man at about 9.15pm and paramedics were called. The driver was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
“The youths involved left the scene, reportedly in possession of weapons, including baseball bats. A search of the surrounding area was conducted by officers, with support of the National Police Air Service helicopter.
“A 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent causing grievous bodily harm at about 11.50pm. He remains in custody at this time.
“Enquiries to identify all those involved are ongoing. A baseball bat was recovered by officers in the Callington Road area overnight.
“We’d please ask anyone with information about the incident to call 101 and quote reference number 5223118527. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Picture showing the emergency response
Three ambulance crews along with police can be seen on West Town Lane during last night’s incident, which saw the road closed until around 11.30pm.
Neighbours also said officers were searching nearby gardens.
‘The police had my house on lockdown'
One woman took to social media to say police came to her home and searched her garden following tonight’s incident.
Last night, she told Bristol World that the incident had left her children ‘a little shaken up’.
Another person said police were in Water Lane while a drone was being used to search the area around it.
Statement from South West Ambulance Service
A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We were called at 21.15hrs on May 21st to an incident in the Brislington area. We sent two double-crew land ambulances, rapid response vehicle, hazardous area response team and a critical care car. One individual was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary.”
Everything we know so far
Avon and Somerset Police and South West Ambulance Service have now both issued statements on last night’s major incident.
We’ve rounded up what we know so far, which can be read in full by clicking here.
Around 9pm - Taxi driver drops off youths at West Town Lane. Youths involved in altercation with male at an address, who chases them back to taxi. Taxi driver injured.
9.15pm - Police patrol discovers injured taxi driver. Ambulance Service is called
9.30pm - Major police operation takes place with helicopters and drones used to search area.
11.15pm - 17-year-old male is arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent causing grievous bodily harm
11.30pm - West Town Lane reopens