CHILDREN as young as 14 have been arrested in Ascot over the past two years for committing serious crimes such as theft, causing criminal damage and assault a police officer.

Data obtained by the News under the Freedom of Information Act has revealed 16 arrests were made in Ascot on children under 16 over the past two years.

Three 14-year-olds were arrested in Ascot in 2012/13 and 2013/14 – all of them male – committing offences such as taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent in August last year, failing to comply with an officer after representing a risk of disorder in June last year and burglary dwelling and theft, also in June last year.

Among the other arrests was a 16-year-old girl who assaulted a police officer in July last year and a 16-year-old boy caused criminal damage to a property valued under £5,000 in January.

Superintendent Kate Ford, commander for the Royal Borough, said: “When a young person under 18 is detained in custody, they have an appropriate adult there to ensure their rights are being observed and to facilitate that communication with the young person.

“Initially the parent, relative or carer will be asked to fulfil that function, unless there is a good reason not to, such as they are also a witness.

“If that is the case or the parent, carer or relative is unavailable during office hours, the youth offending team will be asked to supply an appropriate adult.” Five boys, all aged either 15 or 16, were arrested for assault by beating in 2012 and last year, while three 16-year-olds – two boys and a girl – were arrested for causing actual bodily harm last year.

Among the other offences was a 16-year-old male posing a threat to damaging or destroying property, a 15-year-old male in possession of cannabis and a 15-year-old male driving a motor vehicle without a valid licence.

Supt Ford added: “All detained people irrespective of their age have a pre-release risk assessment completed by a custody sergeant and the adult will assume responsibility for the safe return home of the young person.”