Seven teenagers arrested as train driver attacked in Rugeley trouble
Seven teenage boys have been arrested after a train driver was attacked during "awful trouble and disorder" in Rugeley.
The suspects, from the Cannock and Walsall areas, were detained after boys were seen jumping on and off a train, attacking a driver at Rugeley Town station and causing trouble in the town centre.
Police, who were called to Sandy Lane near the station at 6.50pm yesterday, said they will now be increasing patrols in the area.
Three teenagers from the Walsall area, aged 16, 17 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of affray alongside two 16-year-olds from Cannock and a 16-year-old from Brownhills.
They remained in custody on Friday morning.
Deputy Ch Insp Mark Burslem, of Cannock Chase Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are aware that there are reports of disorder in the area and people are understandably concerned.
"We would like to reassure members of the public that we will be increasing patrols and this sort of behaviour is taken very seriously and will not be tolerated.”
Paramedics were called to Platform 2 just before 7pm and took the injured driver to hospital.
The extent of his injuries are not yet known.
Claire Brown, spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "We were called by police at 6.55pm to reports of an assault on Platform 2.
"One ambulance attended and we treated and conveyed one man to hospital for further checks."
'Panic'
Councillor Olivia Lyons, who is a member of both Rugeley Town Council and Cannock Chase District Council, said the trouble had been the talk of the town.
"There's an awful lot on social media, people are really panicking," she said.
"It's such a shame these people are coming into the town to cause disruption and disorder and people are so scared.
"It's such a quiet town and everyone knows everyone.
"But the police have been very good and are in the town providing reassurance today."
Rugeley Town Council posted on Facebook saying there had been a number of incidents reported over the last week.
The post said: "Following several reports in the last seven days in relation to disorder in Rugeley town centre, local police officers will be on high-vis patrol in the town.
"If anyone has any information in relation to incidents last night in the town, which resulted in seven juveniles being arrested, please contact Staffordshire Police."
Anyone with concerns should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 586 of December 5, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
