Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has said she is "deeply saddened and frankly disgusted by the criminal behaviour reported around Oakham and Barleythorpe over the last 24 hours."

The MP spoke out this morning following complaints on social media of abuse, rowdy behaviour, looting and the Oakham bypass being used as a racetrack by people said to be attending a religious festival at Rutland Showground.

Mrs Kearns said on her Facebook page: "I've spent yesterday evening and this morning speaking to the Showground, Police, RCC and our Police and Crime Commissioner to make our concerns known. We are working together to support and protect residents.

"I've requested a significant increase in police presence. I've also asked what measures are in place if we see continued breaches of COVID restrictions from attendees of the event.

"The Police increased their presence yesterday evening, and today an increased police presence will be supporting residents and visiting businesses to understand what they witnessed or experienced yesterday and concerns they have so that policing can meet those needs."

She continued: "If you witness a crime, it is very important that you please report it using 101, or 999 if an emergency. An event like this can only be closed down if it breaches COVID regulations consistently or if continued criminality takes place. "

People can report breaches of COVID regulations here.

The MP explained: "COVID rules allow the holding of outdoor events of 4,000 people or 50% capacity of the Showground to currently go ahead. However, the criminality by a minority of attendees that has taken place in our community around the event is unacceptable. And I understand fully why residents are angry that other events have been cancelled."

She added: "I don't want to see our hard work to protect our communities from COVID-19 in any way put at risk, and it is unacceptable for our wonderful and welcoming community to face criminality as has been seen on videos and reported to police.

"I want to see an immediate end to the intimidation and criminality too many residents have witnessed, and I will continue to keep the pressure on to achieve this however I can."

This afternoon, as Nub News also reported, police have confirmed they are stepping up patrols in the area and using drones in their patrols.

Rutland County Council has also issued a statement today: "Rutland County Council is aware of the religious festival that is currently being hosted at Rutland Showground and the reports of disturbances in the community.

"Our top priority is to protect residents and businesses and we are working closely with the Police and showground do this.

"The Police are increasing patrols around the county, particularly in Oakham and the surrounding area and are putting in place special measures to ensure the continued protection of the community. They are in ongoing communication with the event organisers.

"We are also looking at any action that could be taken under COVID-19 regulations."

Residents are urged to report any crimes online at https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ (quoting reference log 186 of 19 June 2021) or by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.