Man claiming to have coronavirus, arrested and charged with multiple counts of assault, criminal damage, theft and harassment
The Co-op in North Street, Burwell, where Benjamin Seaton claimed to have coronavirus before assaulting and spitting at members of staff. Picture: GOOGLE STREET VIEW - Credit: Archant
A 30-year-old man who caused uproar in a Cambridgeshire village by claiming to have coronavirus has been charged with multiple counts of assault, theft, harassment and destroying/damaging property.
Police were called to North Street, Burwell yesterday (Sun) to reports of a man claiming to have coronavirus.
“Officers attended and the man was arrested on suspicion of assault, criminal damage and theft. He remains in custody,” said a police spokesman.
“Whilst quite alarming to members of the public who witnessed what was going on, the constabulary wants to re-assure the community that we are here ready to respond to incidents.”
The man, thought to be Peterborough, is appearing in court today (Monday).
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He is charged, say police, with multiple counts of assault, harassment, theft and destroying/damaging property.
One villager described the action of those who confronted the man as “proper community heroes”.
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The incident happened in and around the village Co-op store.
On social media it was reported that all staff were safe and well, but some had been sent home early as a result.
“This will not get us down but more makes us realise what an amazing community we have and the acts of one I promise will not impact on the job we do daily,” the manager told a village Facebook group.
Eyewitnesses described how the man had been seen throwing bottles and spitting in front of children and elderly people.
