A 52-year-old man remains in custody following his arrest on Fleet Street in Torquay on 18 May 2026, after police received reports of multiple assaults against members of the public in the town centre. Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the scene at approximately 1pm to address the situation.
Police have launched an appeal for anyone who may have information to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant details are asked to contact the police quoting reference number 50260125361.
This incident occurred in an area where local authorities have been working to improve public safety through the Street Focus: Torquay project. This initiative, which focuses on hotspot policing, was launched after Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez secured £1 million in funding from the Home Office. The programme involves a partnership between the police, Torbay Council, and SWISCo, and utilises additional police and street marshal patrols.
According to the partnership, the initiative has contributed to a 25% reduction in antisocial behaviour within the town centre since it began in June 2024.
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