Arrests made at Chester Races weekend

Jul 15 2010 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

A BUSY race weekend for emergency services staff resulted in several arrests, the birth of a baby and a man who was resuscitated after suffering a heart attack.

North West Ambulance Service confirmed a 37-year-old woman went into labour at about 4pm during Saturday’s race meeting and was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital, but it is not known if the newborn was delivered at the Racecourse.

At about 3.36pm a 54-year-old male was airlifted to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital after being resuscitated by lifesaving paramedics during the event.

Cheshire Constabulary made several arrests during the race weekend, including three men arrested on suspicion of affray following an altercation in Northgate Street.

Two of the men, a 37-year-old and a 32-year-old, were charged and are due to appear at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, July 30.

A third man was given a caution for the offence.

A man also reported having his wallet stolen from his unattended jacket pocket between 4pm and 6pm during the races on Saturday.

Sgt Andy Pickup from the Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “As always, we would ask people to help avoid becoming a victim of crime by staying security conscious and keeping their valuables with them at all times.

“Chester is a safe place to visit, but like any city there are a small number of people who take advantage of the fact the city is busier on race days by committing crimes like these.

“Although this was a busy weekend for the city centre police, well prepared operations ensured that the day was not spoiled for those genuinely out to have a good time.

“During race weekends the city is understandably busier than usual but increased police presence ensured that trouble was kept to a minimum.

“A drugs operation was running in the city centre on the Saturday night which resulted in one arrest for possession of an offensive weapon and five people being dealt with for possession of Class A or B drugs.”