North Yorkshire Police is urging parents to stay aware of their children’s whereabouts this half term after a number of teenagers were taken into custody following a violent incident in Harrogate.

Six boys, aged 14 and 15, have been arrested in connection with the incident, while investigations into several other reports of aggressive and antisocial behaviour in the town are continuing.

Officers say they are also dealing with a wider group in Harrogate that is attracting “hangers on” and putting children at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity.

The six suspects were arrested on suspicion of assaulting other young people, members of the public and a police officer who was responding to the incident.

The police are urging parents to stay aware of their children’s whereabouts this half term after a number of teenagers were taken into custody following a violent incident in Harrogate

placeholder image — The police are urging parents to stay aware of their children’s whereabouts this half term after a number of teenagers were taken into custody following a violent incident in Harrogate

As well as the arrests, some young people have been issued with warnings or behavioural orders.

Inspector Greg Davies, of Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I want to be very clear that everybody in Harrogate and across North Yorkshire deserves to go about their day feeling safe, without the fear of being attacked or intimidated.

“If that doesn’t happen, we will deal with the perpetrators swiftly and decisively.

“This sometimes involves arrests, court and getting a criminal record.

“We’re also working closely with parents and urging everyone whose child goes out tonight or during half term to keep tabs on where they are.

“Have a talk with your teenager in advance – make sure you know who they’re associating with and where they’re going."

Inspector Davies said police had seen groups involving “lots of impressionable ‘hangers on’” who were engaging in antisocial behaviour and risked becoming caught up in criminality.

He added: “Teenage years can be difficult to parent, but a bad decision now can have a significant impact on a teenager’s future.

“So our ask to parents is simple – have a talk to your child, know what they’re doing and help us prevent them from falling in with the wrong crowd this half term.

“I also want to reassure the wider community that we’re aware of concerns and we are acting decisively so that Harrogate remains a very safe community that everyone can enjoy.”