Sergeant Lee Humphries, based in Radstock, has spoken to The Journal in the hope of reassuring the public that the local police force are doing everything they can following the death of Radstock sixteen-year-old, Charley Bates.

A memorial service, which took place on Friday, 3rd September, which would of been Charley’s birthday, was attended by his friends, family and the wider public after his death sent shockwaves through the community last month.

Reassuring the public, Humphries said: “Radstock is a close knit community which is clearly still processing the awful death of Charley. Our thoughts within the police service go out to his family at this tragic time.

“In a perverse way, the incident appears to have brought the community and young people closer together.

“Reports of anti social behaviour are down in the previously reported common areas. Whether that is to do with the young people still mourning and processing the incident, or the community as a whole being more tolerant to groups of youths being on the street and in the car parks clearly upset and dealing with grief. It feels as though empathy and understanding is being shown on both sides.

“All partners within the community have worked together including the local Church associations, local Council, Youth Connect workers and the local neighbourhood police team.

“I received an email from the local Council when discussing the memorial service stating; ‘The Council have noted the support from the local team and yourself, as well as the wider policing team. This has been a very difficult time for the community and the way the incident has been handled has been commendable. Please share the Council’s appreciation with your colleagues.’

“We have also received a letter from the local Methodist Church asking for us to let the community know that their prayers are with us and the people of Radstock to help with the considerable pain being felt at this time.

“The death of a young person in this way is extremely rare in the UK, let alone a small town like Radstock.

“As a policing team we will continue to be visible and present in the community we serve to re-assure and allay fears.

“We will also continue with our educational talks in the schools around knife crime, choices and consequences when the schools return.”

If you, or anyone you know, are suffering due to the recent news, please visit some of the following:

Organisations offering 24/7 support if you need to talk (or text, or online chat):

SHOUT: text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

Samaritans: call 116 123

SAMM: call 01214722912 or Text 07342 888570

Kooth: https://www.kooth.com/

Childline: call 0800 11 11 (under 19)

Daytime Support can be found by contacting:

Cruse Bereavement: 0808 808 1677

Reverend Ian Rousell: available on 01761 417664, is

willing to talk to local people affected by this incident.

Off The Record have a listening service available - https://www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk/contact

18+ Support:

For members of the public affected by the recent tragedy who are 18+, support can be found through these

organisations:

Breakthrough: supporting survivors of trauma

https://www.traumabreakthrough.org/getting-help/”