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Wells Clinic in New Street, Ashford, damaged following assault outside Auction House Bar and Old Prince of Wales pub

A business owner says he has been left to pick up the pieces following an assault outside his town centre shop, which caused a front window to shatter.

Police were called to New Street, Ashford, following reports of a disturbance outside Auction House Bar and the Old Prince of Wales pub.

Ambulance crews also attended and treated two people, including a man with a cut to his arm. One was taken to the William Harvey Hospital for further treatment.

Michael Sheill is unhappy about damage to shop front after fight broke out in town on a Saturday night. Picture: Andy Jones
Michael Sheill is unhappy about damage to shop front after fight broke out in town on a Saturday night. Picture: Andy Jones

Officers arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of two counts of assault following the incident, which happened just after 11pm on Saturday, June 22. He has since been released pending further investigation.

During the brawl, eyewitnesses say they saw a man being pushed against a neighbouring store, causing the Wells Clinic shop front to shatter.

Michael Sheill, who has run the skincare clinic for 28 years, said £1,000 worth of damage was caused to his business.

The assault happened outside the Auction House Bar in New Street
The assault happened outside the Auction House Bar in New Street

He said: "The people living above my shop saw a big fight outside. I went to my shop to find the front boarded up and smashed plant pots and dried blood all over the floor. It has caused £1,000 worth of damage and we are a small business. Our excess is £500.

"We have also had our flower boxes attacked numerous times. I just couldn't believe it, we try and put resources in to make the town look better and we get this carrying on."

The 60-year-old says he is unhappy with how police dealt with the incident and claims he wasn't informed about what had happened.

He said: "I had to make my own inquires to find out. There has been no communication from the pub, police or the nightclub. The police could have sent us a letter or let us know what happened."

Smashed glass and plants pots. Picture: Michael Sheill (13398847)
Smashed glass and plants pots. Picture: Michael Sheill (13398847)

Insp Greg McNeil said: "Officers were called to a report of a man causing a disturbance in New Street. Following enquiries at the scene, a 33-year old man from Ashford was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault.

"As officers were also made aware that a shop window had been damaged during the disturbance before their arrival, and contact details for the owner of the business were unknown, arrangements were made to board up the window to ensure the building was left in a secure state.

"In these situations, officers will leave a note at the premises to let the owner know about the security action taken.

"As soon as officers were aware a note might not have been received by the premises owner, contact was made to apologise and explain why the work to secure the premises had been carried out."

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