Dispersal order imposed amid probe into harlow 'hate crime' murder
Press Association
The possible hate crime murder of a Polish man has prompted the imposition of an order which stops potential trouble-makers from congregating.
Two Polish men were set upon outside a row of takeaway shops in Harlow in what Essex Police believe was an unprovoked attack on Saturday night.
A 40-year-old man from Harlow, named in reports as Arkadiusz Jozwik, died of head injuries on Monday.
Flowers are left at The Stow in Harlow
Following the attack in The Stow at around 11.35pm, police increased patrols in the area and a 48-hour dispersal order will be in place from 7pm on Wednesday.
The order gives police enhanced powers to reduce anti-social behaviour and covers The Stow shopping centre.
It mean officers can order anyone to leave the area if they have reasonable grounds to believe the person is harassing residents or likely to be involved in crime or disorder.
Superintendent Andy Mariner said: “Over the last two months we have received reports of nuisance and anti-social behaviour in The Stow, which have affected the quality of life for residents and shop owners.
“These complaints relate to groups of youths congregating in the area, riding bikes and motorbikes and generally acting in an anti-social manner.
“We have been carrying out daily patrols and working together with Harlow District Council’s community safety team to address these issues and take appropriate enforcement action as necessary.
“Those patrols were increased following the tragic death of a man who was assaulted in the area at the weekend, and in our discussions with the public we have been made aware of further incidents of anti-social behaviour that had not been previously reported to us.”
Five 15-year-old boys and a 16-year-old who were arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on police bail until October 7.
A 43-year-old man, also from Harlow, was injured in the attack, and was discharged from hospital after being treated for suspected hand fractures and bruising to his stomach.
Essex Police said one line of investigation is that it was a hate crime.
Based on the latest Office for National Statistics figures, Harlow currently has one of the highest concentrations of EU nationals from eastern Europe – roughly one in 17 residents.
This puts it in the top 30 local authorities in England and Wales with the greatest proportion of Eastern European nationals per population.
In a Facebook post the Polish Embassy said ambassador Arkady Rzegocki would be visiting the murder scene .
A statement read: “We have been shocked by the murder of a Polish national in #Harlow. Yesterday Polish consul conferred with Essex Police. One of the lines of investigation is that of hate crime. We call on all witnesses to report to the police.
“Ambassador Arkady Rzegocki is visiting the site today to pay his respects.”
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Dispersal order imposed amid probe into harlow "hate crime" murder
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