Two arrests after ‘attack on police’ sparks Oxford ‘lockdown’

The incident occurred at Bonn Square opposite the Westgate shopping centre at around 2.45pm on Saturday afternoon (May 2).

Traffic, including buses, was at a standstill on Queen Street as police officers parked their vehicles to deal with the incident.

One man could be seen lying on the ground at the St Ebbe’s Street junction with Queen Street, with ambulance crews also attending, which led to a “lockdown” in the area.

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Police vehicles in Queen Street, Oxford (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Following the incident, there were numerous patrol cars parked on Queen Street, and police officers could be seen talking to people in the Bonn Square area.

Members of the public were giving statements with the force approaching shoppers around Westgate and Queen Street, as well as onlookers.

Thames Valley Police has now confirmed that officers received a report of a public order incident in the location.

A man in his 60s was busking in Bon Square when his earnings were taken, and he was subsequently assaulted, says the force.

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People gathering outside Westgate Oxford (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Two men, aged 52 and 41, both of no fixed abode, were both arrested in connection with the incident.

Thames Valley Police say the 52‑year‑old has since received a caution in relation to an assault.

The 41‑year‑old was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and theft and has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

He has now been named as Daniel Webb of no fixed abode and has been charged with five counts of assaulting a police officer.

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Police patrol Bonn Square (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Webb has been remanded to custody to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday, May 4).

By about 4pm on Saturday, traffic was returning to normal, although there were still some emergency vehicles at the scene.

One Thames Valley Police officer in Bonn Square said there was now a section 34 dispersal order in place for the square for the next 48 hours.

The order, authorised under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, gives police officers and PCSOs in England and Wales temporary, enhanced powers to direct individuals away from a specified area for up to 48 hours to prevent harassment, distress, or crime.

Thames Valley Police has since confirmed on Sunday evening (May 3) that a section 34 dispersal order was authorised following the incident.