Four charged in relation to national disorder

Officers in Cheshire have charged another four people linked to the recent national disorder.

While there have been no incidents of violent disorder in Cheshire, nor is there anything to suggest there is any serious disorder planned in the county, the force has made several arrests for hate crime and inciting hatred.

Chief Superintendent Alison Ross said:

“Today and as we head into the weekend we will continue to have additional patrols out across the county to provide reassurance to residents. You might also see officers from other police forces - there's no need to worry, this is part of the national response to the ongoing disorder nationally.

“There's also nothing to suggest serious disorder is currently planned in our county and we'll continue to monitor social media for that. Don't panic with regards to rumours you might see or worry about contacting us to let us know - if you can see it, we'll already have seen it, will risk assess it and if needed, act upon it.

“We'd also ask that you don't share any malicious or inaccurate information that you might see. These messages have only been posted to create fear, hate and disorder in our communities.

“As we move forward, we will continue to have extensive resources in place to keep our communities safe and ensure that swift and robust action is taken against all those who are found to have broken the law.”

The latest four people to be charged are:

• Joshua Sigley, 24, of St Chads Fields, Winsford, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and three counts of arson, following incidents in Winsford on Sunday 4 August. He will appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 August.
• Nigel Dodd, 65, of Cameron Avenue, Shavington, was charged with racially aggravated harassment with intent to cause alarm or distress, following an incident in Nantwich on Wednesday 7 August. He will appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 August.
• Daniel Billing, 45, of Plumtre Avenue, Warrington, has been charged with using threatening and abusive language and possession of a class B drug (cannabis), following an incident in Warrington on Wednesday 7 August. He will appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 4 September.
• Zoe Houghton, 35, of St Marks Road, Chester, was charged with using threatening and abusive language, and two counts of misuse of the 999 service, following incidents in Chester on Wednesday 7 August. She appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 8 August.