Two teenagers have been taken into custody following a violent public disturbance that erupted near Nottingham's popular Winter Wonderland attraction on Monday evening.
Chaos in Old Market Square
Nottinghamshire Police were called to Old Market Square shortly before 6pm on Monday, December 11, after receiving multiple reports of disorder. Eyewitnesses described groups of young people, many wearing lanyards typical of school or college students, confronting each other.
The altercation caused significant disruption in the city centre. Tram services through the area were temporarily suspended as large, noisy crowds gathered near the square's tram stop, with screaming heard by passersby.
Assaults on Officers and Arrests
Upon responding, some of the youths involved allegedly spat at police officers. The trouble unfolded just yards from the entrance to the annual Winter Wonderland event.
Officers swiftly engaged with the group, which then dispersed. Following the intervention, a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. A 16-year-old boy was detained on suspicion of obstructing a police officer in the execution of their duty. Both remain in police custody as inquiries continue.
A police spokesperson confirmed no weapons were sighted during the incident. Tram services resumed approximately 40 minutes after being halted, although damage to the doors on one tram was reported.
A Troubling Pattern Emerges
This incident marks the second major security scare near the festive attraction in recent weeks. On November 16, four youths riding e-bikes and armed with machetes confronted another group in front of terrified families near the Council House, mere metres from the Old Market Square tram stop.
Nottingham's Winter Wonderland, which launched in the late 2000s and attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, opened last month and is scheduled to run until December 31. Social media footage from recent days has shown a heightened police presence, with officers actively patrolling the crowds.
Organisers of Nottingham Winter Wonderland have been approached for comment regarding the latest incident.
