Repeated violent incidents in Espoo's Haukilahti: police increase surveillance at Mellsten beach
West Uusimaa police are intensifying surveillance at Espoo's Mellsten beach due to repeated violent incidents. At least eight assaults were recorded in the area last weekend.
Police will clear Mellsten beach if necessary following suspected violent incidents
West Uusimaa police have increased surveillance at Mellsten beach in Espoo's Haukilahti due to repeated violent incidents, according to Ilta-Sanomat.
Last weekend, at least eight violent incidents occurred in the area, according to police. The police are investigating assaults carried out by kicking, hitting and pulling hair, as well as one robbery. The perpetrators and victims are predominantly aged 15–18 years.
On Friday 28 August, two girls assaulted a 16-year-old girl by kicking and pulling her hair. According to police, the perpetrators and the victim knew each other beforehand. Later that evening, a group of several people assaulted a 16-year-old boy by hitting and kicking.
On Saturday evening, approximately 20 people were involved in an incident in which a boy aged around 15 was hit and kicked. That same evening, two young men assaulted an 18-year-old man and stole his necklace.
No one sustained life-threatening injuries. Similar crimes are suspected to have occurred on other August weekends.
Police cleared the beach area last weekend to prevent further crimes and are prepared to do the same again.
"As in previous weekends, Mellsten beach will be cleared if the situation requires it," Commissioner Sami Kari said in a police statement.
Police estimate that young people will also gather at the beach during the coming weekend.
Source: Ilta-Sanomat