Sunday, 01 May 2005

Police express disappointment following May Day celebrations – Oxford

More than 12,000 people attended the traditional May Day celebrations held this morning (01/05) in Oxford city centre.

Magdalene Bridge reached its capacity of around 8,500 people who had come to hear the choristers sing in the sunrise.

However, police and partners expressed their disappointment after over 100 people ignored warnings and jumped from Magdalene Bridge into the River Cherwell.

Insp Justin Archer, based in Oxford, said: “I am extremely disappointed that so many people have ignored the advice issued by ourselves, the ambulance service and city council.

“With water levels at little more than knee-deep still people ignored warnings and jumped from the bridge, injuring themselves and others.

“Around half of those that jumped received injuries that required treatment from paramedics and I am sad to say that there have been a number of serious injuries, from badly broken legs and ankles, chest injuries, serious lacerations and even spinal injuries.

“I only hope that some of these injuries will help educate people that what may seem just a harmless bit of fun could have profound effects on someone’s health and I hope that the message will get through to people.

“The actions of these few could have effects on the event as a whole and I just hope that this will serve as a very hard lesson and we can prevent this from happening next year.”

There were no arrests made on the day and the bridge was clear by around 7am.

Note to Editors:

Oxfordshire Ambulance NHS Trust transported 10 people to the JR2 hospital for emergency treatment. (that’s about £1500-£2000 cost to NHS just for transport, perhaps a few grand more for individuals treatment)

Ends
Tim Wiseman

Monday, 02 May 2005

Police monitor rave – East Hendred, Oxon

Police are currently monitoring a rave being held on the Ridgeway near East Hendred in Oxfordshire.

The rave is believed to have begun at around 8.30am on Sunday morning with numbers present now estimated at around 500 at 1pm today (02/05).

Thames Valley Police investigates and assesses all illegal raves in accordance with the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

In this instance, tactical advisors from both the police the council could not identify any serious distress to local residents, risk to the environment, risk to those attending the event and there were no serious criminal offences being committed. There also existed a potential for serious disorder should officers intervene.

Police continue to monitor the event, gathering intelligence and evidence to pursue prosecutions after the event.

Four people have been arrested for minor drugs offences and one for theft of a bicycle. No further information is available on these people at this time.

It is anticipated that the event will finish this evening.

OK four people at the rave had small amounts of drugs and TBH I’m glad the bike thief was nicked (although how did they know the bike was stolen? were they just stopping any raver on a bike and does this mean I am going to have to carry my receipt for my own bike around with me should I happen to come across a rave during a weekend bike ride?)

but which one caused the most disruption to the area I wonder?

And I know where all the smarter Oxford students would have been…. :lol_big: