A CAR crash – possibly following a chase – sparked a trail of violent incidents across Rugby on Thursday (March 17), police believe.
After a white Honda Civic and a silver Peugeot 206 collided on Butlin Road at around 11:50am, there was a violent confontation in the street involving 8-10 men who were in the cars, during which missiles were thrown.
The men left the scene on foot before the police arrived, with witness reports suggesting some went in the direction of the nearby graveyard while others headed toward Clifton Road and South Street.
Detective Sergeant Steve Flavell said: “Witnesses reported seeing vehicles matching the descriptions of those involved in this incident driving erratically, possibly chasing each other, around the town in the period leading up to the collision.
“We would be keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or the two cars driving erratically through the town.”
Two more incidents occurred later that day which police are linking to the collision.
The incident occurred at around 4.30pm when a 17-year-old boy was threatened by a group of males who took his phone and watch at the Canal Tunnel on Reservoir Road in Brownsover.
About 10 minutes later a 14-year-old boy was approached by around 10 males as he rode his bike over the railway bridge footpath between Woodbridge Court and Technology Drive.
The victim reports that one of the males punched him in the face and took his bike, while another took his phone and bag. The boy received slight injuries to his face in the incident.
Three people have been arrested in connection with these incidents. A 17-year-old boy and 18-year-old man, both from Coventry, have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in connection with the first incident and conspiracy to commit robbery in connection with the latter incidents. A 16-year-old boy from Rugby has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery in connection with the latter incidents.
Anyone who witnessed any of these incidents or has information that could help police with their enquiries should call 101 and quote incident 168 and 322 of March 17. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.
