Numerous incidents noticed in Portswood on 22/2/26 – all reported

Walking through Portswood this afternoon (22/2/26):

There was a group of street drinkers gathered in a shop doorway with a large speaker playing music at high volume. They were also using a microphone to shout comments at people passing by, seemingly attempting to be humorous..

At the same time, a group of three or four men in 20s were walking along the high street in an intimidating manner, staring down passers by. They appeared, in the person’s professional opinion, to be involved in drug related activity and potentially violent. They were shouting up the road at a man, believed to be a resident, who had opened the door to the flats above October Books, and one of them then entered the building. Members of the public appeared visibly uncomfortable and concerned as they walked past.

One of the flats above October Books had a window completely smashed.

The bins near The Muse were overflowing, with numerous bin bags scattered across the pavement.

To add to the concern, while this was happening, a local police van drove down the road. The driver looked over briefly and then noticeably looked away.

Relevant reports have been made.