Youth arrested at Ashburton Library

Police have been called to the Ashburton Library to respond to violent behaviour twice this month.

One person was arrested by police after reports of an alleged assault at the library on Wednesday afternoon.

Police were called to the library at 3.40pm after a teenage girl was reported to have assaulted another teenage girl, a police spokeswoman said.

It was not the first time the police had been called to the library this month with three young people arrested after an altercation at the library on April 2.

The Ashburton District Council trespassed six individuals involved in the fracas from Te Whare Whakatere, Ashburton Library and Civic Centre, and Baring Square East as a result.

Chief executive Hamish Riach said that there has been a small number of incidents this year and “antisocial behaviour” will not be tolerated at the library.

He reassured the community the Te Whare Whakatere is a safe place and that any behaviour that impacts people enjoying the community facility will not be tolerated.

“Council has a thorough system in place to respond to serious behavioural issues as they arise.”

“We’re appreciative of the fantastic support from the police as they work side by side with us to keep the library a safe space.”