Groups of children in the city centre

Last night colleagues and I were called to reports of children causing issues in the city centre. On arrival we found a group of girls and boys aged from 9 to around 13. There were approximately 20 - 30 young children running through the city centre. 

These were children with their friends behaving as children behave. The concern is that York city centre on a Friday night is no place for large groups of unsupervised, young children.

This was emphasised to us when a gentleman who actually identified himself as the uncle to one of the children, raised his concern about them to us. He then walked up to the group swearing loudly and bitterly at all of them and had to be taken to one side and dealt with appropriately.

We recognise that parents have to parent their children according to their own values and morals. We recognise that children mature at different rates and some may be more capable than others.

However, York city centre is not a suitable place for unsupervised young people. Please, be aware of where your children are and be mindful of what they may be exposed to.