Statement following serious incidents in Swadlincote

See the statement below from South Derbyshire District Council following serious incidents in the last ten days.

A Council spokesperson said: “Following the recent serious incidents in Swadlincote, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Benjamin Orton and the other victims who we all hope are recovering well.

"These incidents have, understandably caused great concern for the local community and we want to reassure them that such violent acts are very rare in South Derbyshire.

“Derbyshire Police, who is leading the investigation, is working closely with Council Officers and a number of other partner agencies including Derbyshire County Council’s Children’s Services and local schools to ensure the safety of the local community and to help support those that have been affected.

“We will continue to liaise closely with the police and jointly communicate with residents and would appeal again for residents to contact the police with any information they should have about these incidents or if they are aware of any other individuals who are carrying knives in our community.”

The police can be contacted by the following methods:

Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary

Twitter – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact

Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/ContactUs.

Phone – call on 101.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

21 June 2021