Multiple arrests have been made after alarming reports of alleged harassment in Lower Earley.
Over the last few weeks, neighbours in Lower Earley have making reports of harassment incidents, with claims that the alleged perpetrators are coming from a ‘migrant hotel’.
Neighbours have made claims of harassment incidents at Maiden Place, alleging that schoolgirls have been targeted.
It has now been confirmed that two to three have been arrested for public order incidents in the area.
Neighbours have expressed concerns and written to Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley.
While she revealed that people have been arrested, she has dispelled claims that schoolgirls have been targeted.
In a written response to a neighbour’s letter, Ms Yang said: “I understand that some of the reports, particularly those shared on social media, are quite distressing.
“My team have been in regular contact with the police and have been made aware of arrests made regarding an incident not previously flagged on social media; these arrests were made on suspicion of public order but were not in relation to behaviour against school-aged children.
“All those arrested (I believe it was two or three people) have been interviewed and bailed pending a disposal decision.”
A photo from William Luck, who lives in Lower Earley, shows a police officer patrolling Kilnsea Drive, with him stating that it is a sight he hasn’t seen for “many a year” despite the Loddon Valley Police Station being a five-minute drive away.
Ms Yang’s statement continues: “By way of reassurance, the police are continuing patrols and obtaining information, but currently they have a very small number of reports and nothing that suggests endemic predatory behaviour from residents.
“I am aware that there are some posts online about the hotel on local Facebook groups, but it is important that I comment on information from the police and other official sources.”
She then urged any victim or witness to report it to Thames Valley Police immediately.
Ms Yang added: “The police have said that they spoke to schools about the issue on Friday, February 7, as well as checking in with the hotel too. They will continue to liaise with local school safeguarding leads.”
It is understood that the Best Western Plus Moat House in Sindlesham is closed to the public and is functioning as a hotel where asylum seekers are staying while their claims are being determined by the Home Office.
On the issue of asylum claims, Ms Yang said: “I share residents’ concerns that the asylum system in the UK has broken down, with waiting lists of over two years in some cases.
“Our government aims to speed up the processing of asylum applications and put a stop to hotel use. It is not a sustainable way to manage the asylum system.”
