Fears that Spalding armed police incident could put people off coming to town

A shocked eyewitness fears people could be too frightened to come to Spalding after an incident involving police armed with Tasers and guns.

Police were called to New Road at about 5.20pm last Thursday after reports of ‘offensive weapons being seen’ - and the armed officers were spotted detaining men in full view of people leaving work.

Four men were arrested at the scene, with Jojo Taylor (23), of Spalding, and Dovel Taylor (45), of Bourne, both later charged with possession of a bladed article.

A bystander who watched the dramatic events unfold - and asked not to be named - said officers were quick to swoop in.

“There were a lot of people standing and watching as it happened,” he said.

He saw one man handcuffed and another on the floor, adding: “I think he was scared and shocked as he didn’t expect the police to come that quickly. I don’t think he expected them to be armed either.

“The police were everywhere. They came very quickly and everyone was safe.”

A knife has been recovered from the scene on Thursday evening.

At the time, a force spokesman said: “We are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident and whilst armed officers carried out the arrests, there is no suggestion the suspects had firearms.”

While the onlooker has praised the swift police response to the incident, he says more needs to be done by the force to reassure scared members of the public that it is safe to visit the town.

“There’s always something going on in Spalding but I don’t feel that the town is dangerous,” he said.

“I think the town is safe - I have never seen an incident like this here before.

“But I think police should now be telling people if these people were from Spalding and what their intention was.

“A lot of people are worried and I think they need to make it clear to the public that they do not need to worry and that Spalding is safe.

“When these things happen, people are worried and scared about coming out to go shopping or go for a night out so they need to do something to make them more comfortable.

“They need to feel safe and know that police are around the corner to quickly come and deal with incidents.”

Jojo Taylor, who police say lives at an address in James Road, Spalding, appeared at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Friday (March 31) and has been released on bail to appear at court later this month.

Dovel Taylor, of South Fen Road, will also appear at court later this month.

A spokesman confirmed two other men were released without any further action following the altercation.

*Are you concerned about visiting Spalding? Email your views to andrew.brookes@iliffepublishing.co.uk or write to us at the address on page four.