Two arrested after Glastonbury street disturbance as police charge man with assaulting officer

By Laura Linham 19th May 2025

Heightened community concerns have prompted a police crackdown. ((LL/DILY)
Heightened community concerns have prompted a police crackdown. ((LL/DILY)

Two men have been arrested following a disturbance on Magdalene Street in Glastonbury, in the latest incident linked to ongoing concerns about antisocial behaviour in the town centre.

Neighbourhood officers, supported by response teams, detained the pair on Friday afternoon (17 May). One of the men has now been charged with a string of offences including assaulting an emergency worker, public order, criminal damage and breaching a restraining order. The second man has been charged with a public order offence. Both have been remanded in custody and are expected to appear in court on Monday.

The arrests follow increasing community concern about disorder in Glastonbury, particularly around the High Street and local landmarks. Police have responded with a visible crackdown, including issuing Community Protection Notices and dispersal orders where necessary.

This week, a Community Protection Notice was served on an individual banning them from entering St John's Church and churchyard for six months. Police said the move aimed to "protect the peace and dignity" of the site.

In a statement released following the arrests, Glastonbury Town Council said antisocial behaviour remains a key issue for the town and acknowledged ongoing efforts with police and other agencies to manage the situation.

A spokesperson said: "Glastonbury suffers from this issue in much the same way that other towns across the country do, however, the town centre's layout and compact nature serves to exacerbate the problem.

"The Town Council's Town Centre Crime Reduction Advisory Committee works with residents, businesses, St John's Church, Somerset Council and the police to understand this issue and seek to reduce it.

"Staffing shortages and budgetary pressures at Somerset Council and the police are frequently cited in these meetings when measures to reduce ASB are discussed. Glastonbury has an excellent neighbourhood policing team, and these dedicated officers need to be better supported by wider police resources."

The arrests come just two weeks after the temporary closure of St John's Churchyard was announced, and after three local schools were placed into lockdown following an unconfirmed weapons report near the library. Police say they are continuing regular patrols and urge residents to report any concerns via 101 or 999 in emergencies.

     

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