A police investigation has been launched after a girl was allegedly choked by security at an under 18s event.
Northumbria Police is investigating a report of an assault after footage emerged on social media of a security worker at Rainton Arena appearing to grab a girl by the throat.
The incident is alleged to have happened during an under 18s event called 'WE ARE BOUNCE' at the Rainton Arena in Houghton-le-Spring on Friday night.
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A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We received a report of assault which is alleged to have taken place at about 9.30pm on Friday at Rainton Meadows Arena, on Mercantile Road, Houghton-le-Spring. No-one is believed to have been seriously injured.
“Enquiries are ongoing."
Rainton Arena told ChronicleLive that a security company was hired for the event and that a child's parents have been contacted and shown all CCTV.
Following the incident, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) was notified. A comment from the SIA said: "We are aware of the incident being reported. Protecting the public is our priority and all SIA licensed security operatives are trained in conflict management.
"We work with partner agencies, including the police, when allegations of unnecessary violence come to light in order to establish facts. Where appropriate we will consider whether individuals are fit and proper to hold a licence, or whether individual’s should have their licences suspended to protect the public whilst investigations are undertaken."
Posting on social media, a statement from Rainton Arena said: "We do not condone behaviour of that sort in any way. The Police and Security Industry Authority are aware of the incident and are dealing with this accordingly.
"All CCTV Coverage has been reviewed by the venue along with the parent of the child concerned. The child’s parents are in contact with the Security Company and a full investigation of the incident is now ongoing.
"The Security Company is not employed by Rainton Arena, it is a Third Party Company used for the event. We do appreciate your concern but can assure you that this is being dealt with efficiently."
Chronicle Live has contacted Platinum Security for comment.
Anyone with information should use the ‘Tell us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website, or call 101 quoting NP-20230520-0288.
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