THERE were eight crimes recorded and two people arrested over the course four days of last week’s Bridgwater Fair, with more than 40,000 people attending the popular event.

Over the four days there was one assault on a police officer among the crimes which accounted for just 0.02 per cent of crime reported in the Avon and Somerset Police Force area during that time.

On the opening day (Wednesday, September 26) there was just the one crime report, an incident of theft.

The following day saw one domestic incident reported, an arrest in relation to a public order offence, and another arrest for a person who attacked a police officer.

Friday at the fair was fairly quiet, with one report of anti-social behaviour which did not end up requiring police action, and there was also one incident of common assault.

On the final day of the fair (Saturday, September 29) there was one case of theft and another incident involving anti-social behaviour.

The fair, which is run by the Showman’s Guild, is the largest event of its kind in the South West, regularly attracting in excess of 40,000 people to St Matthew’s Field.

These visitors enjoy the wide variety of rides and amusements, as well as the many stalls that adorn West Street throughout the fair.

Bridgwater Fair dates back 800 years, and is thought to have been held on the historic St Matthew’s Field site for the last 600 years.