Raids at seven Thanet properties have resulted in three more arrests in connection with the stabbing of a man in Ramsgate last month.
Three men, all aged 18 from Ramsgate, were arrested on suspicion of assault on May 12 following an attack that left Ashley Grainger, also from the town, with serious injuries when he was stabbed in the neck and shoulder during the disturbance in Harbour Street at around 3am that day.
He was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries but is now recovering at home.
The three teenagers remain under investigation. As part of further enquiries police have been appealing for witnesses to come forward and officers have reviewed CCTV.
As a result of that work officers searched seven properties yesterday morning (June 20) in Northdown Road, Cliftonville, South Eastern Road, Inverary Court and Dane Crescent in Ramsgate and Dane Road, Charlotte Square and Beatrice Road in Margate.
A 19-year-old man from Ramsgate along with two other people, a 16-year-old boy and a man aged 18 from Ramsgate, have now also been arrested in connection with the assault. They have all been released on bail until August 7.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Chris Greenstreet, said: “We remain committed to tackling knife crime culture and are determined in our efforts to remove dangerous weapons from our communities. We will continue to take robust action against people who choose to break the law to ensure towns like Ramsgate remain a safe place to live.
“We would like to thank all those witnesses who have come forward so far following this incident and encourage anyone else with information to call us.”
Call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/89866/19. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.
Traders’ meeting
The stabbing also prompted the calling of a meeting between police, Ramsgate town business owners and councillors. The gathering, which was led by Cllr Karen Constantine and hosted by Zest café, heard that licences are being reviewed and an extra beat officer was due to start work in Ramsgate to tackle ongoing complaints of vandalism, violence, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in the town.
Thanet Chief Inspector Lara Connor told town business owners that ‘background’ work is taking place to deal with criminal activity blighting the area and improvements have already been made.