Violence erupts in central Surbiton

Violence erupted in Surbiton on Saturday night as drunken fights broke out in Claremont Road and Surbiton Station.  The two unrelated fights took place within 5 minutes of each other, leaving two men bloodied and one seemingly concussed.

The fight in Claremont Road was probably the worst with a tall well-built youth goading several others into a fight.  When the fight did kick off, the tall man was subjected to several swift combinations of punches.  He seemed too drunk to defend himself and fell onto the pavement with a bloodied face.  His head hit the pavement and he was apparently unconscious for several minutes. The Police and Ambulances turned up ten minutes later, but by then he had regained consciousness and had walked off with the aid of his friend. 

Five minutes after the Claremont Road fight, another fight broke out in front of Surbiton Station involving two men and two women.  The fight lasted several minutes with yet more screaming, punches and blooded faces.  It was obvious that alcohol was involved in both fights.  Those involved were probably late teens to early twenties. 

I have seen such fights in central Surbiton many times before, however the sheer viciousness of the fight in Claremont Road is a worrying development.  The Police will always turn up if called, but it usually takes five minutes for them to arrive – usually in force.  I do wonder whether the Police should keep a car near to Surbiton Station in order to prevent such problems happening in the first place.

The fight in Claremont Road was vicious and could quite easily have ended up with a death if he had hit his head harder on the pavement.  Pubs need to take more care and not serve such young customers when they are very drunk.  I also think that the Police need to work more on prevention rather than just responding to such crimes.  Surbiton is very safe compared to many other places, but there is a worrying trend developing late at night.