Hartlepool 'Vigilante' Released on Bail as Police Investigation Continues...
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Hartlepool Man Released on Bail as Police Crackdown on Alleged Online Vigilante Protests Continue...
1st September 2026
A Hartlepool Man has been released from police custody on bail, with conditions preventing him from arranging, organising or being involved in further protests which have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a number of properties.
Alan Saint was arrested on Sunday Evening (30th August 2026) at Beaconsfield Street Hartlepool following what's reported to have been another 'Peaceful Gathering' organised online via a social media group...
Saint has been publicly associated with the online social media group O.M.W.D, an online vigilante group which claims to expose suspected sexual offenders and protect children from grooming. Details of his release was announced in a statement circulated on Facebook, which said that Saint had now been released from custody but subject to conditions prohibiting him from arranging or organising any protests.
Previous Drug Conviction
Saint was previously convicted for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs back in 2021 when he was caught in a police sting operation carrying around 15.51 grams of Heroin equivalent to around 60 street deals or £770 pounds in street value. He pled guilty to the offence at Teesside Crown Court and was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years.
He faces arrest & could be remanded to prison if his current bail conditions are breached.
Group denies arranging protests...
The Facebook Group associated with Saint denied that they'd been arranging protests which have led to numerous arrests & thousands of pounds worth of damage caused to a number of properties in the area, with the group claiming that people associated with the group were being arrested and blamed for activities they'd not carried out. It also questioned whether those involved in the group were being treated fairly.
Defiant message after release
Despite Saint’s reported bail restrictions, the group indicated that it intends to continue making its voice heard, provided its activities remain peaceful and lawful. It added that supporters would continue to “stand together, peacefully and lawfully”.
Arrests followed serious disorder
The reported bail condition follows a series of gatherings which required a significant Cleveland Police response with officers from West Yorkshire having to be drafted in with a considerable amount of police resources reportedly pilling yet further pressure on the public purse.
During an incident on Friday, August 28, a 29-year-old man was allegedly assaulted and racially abused before a bag was stolen from him. He remained in hospital overnight.
The following day, officers then attended another property in West View Hartlepool where windows were smashed with bricks and rocks while children were inside.
Cleveland Police confirmed that five people were arrested in connection with those two incidents.
Three men, aged 19, 23 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of offences including robbery, violent disorder and threatening or abusive behaviour. A 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, while a 46-year-old woman was detained on suspicion of obstructing or resisting a constable.
All five were released on bail pending further enquiries. Police have not publicly confirmed whether Saint was the 54-year-old referred to in those statements or whether his reported arrest on the Headland related to a separate investigation.
A number of other people have been issued with Section 50 requirements in connection with alleged anti-social behaviour.
Police promising further action in the coming days.
Superintendent Paul Richardson previously warned that Cleveland Police would continue to arrest anyone suspected of causing disorder or committing violence.
He said lawful protest would be facilitated but that incidents involving harm to individuals or destruction of property would be dealt with robustly.
The reported restriction preventing Saint from organising protests suggests that police remain concerned about the possibility of further gatherings while their investigation continues.
Anyone with information about the recent disorder are being asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
