Calne teenager pepper sprayed by police after damaging town hall

The 15-year-old was caught causing criminal damage to the Calne Town Hall building at around 7.30pm on February 24.

CCTV operators alerted police and the boy was quickly detained by neighbourhood police officer PC Bourke.

But police claim the boy then became “obstructive” and refused to give his name and address to the officer before “attempting to escape”.

PC Bourke, who was alone at the time, deployed a PAVA irritant spray which incapacitated the boy.

He then arrested him on suspicion of criminal damage and failing to provide his details, and took him into custody.

The youth admitted to both offences and was ordered to carry out litter picking, as part of the community resolution process, at the request of Calne Town Council.

Litter pickers (Image: Wiltshire Police)

PCSO Mark Cook said he had since spoken to the boy during his community service. He claimed the boy told him he regretted his actions and will be doing his best to stay out of trouble.

PCSO Cook added: “Behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated in Calne. I would like to pass on my thanks the boy’s parents who have engaged with this process and been supportive of police actions.

"We have been seeing a noticeable improvement in the behaviour of individuals who have previously been engaging in crime and anti-social Behaviour in Calne town centre.”

Police have also thanked the town council CCTV volunteers, who they have worked closely with to capture offenders.

PCSO Cook said: “A great deal of work is carried out by Calne town council, local organisations and community groups to keep Calne a nice place to live and work. I hope the positive action taken here will go some way in keeping it that way.

“I would also like to pass on my thanks to the Calne Town Council CCTV volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes capturing evidence to assist us in bringing offenders to justice. A close working relationship also helps us pro-actively police Calne to keep it a safe place.”