Man Arrested on Suspicion of Section 18 GBH Following Open Jar Festival Incident..
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
4th August 2026
A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm following an alleged assault involving security staff at the Open Jar festival in Seaton Carew.
Cleveland Police became aware of the incident on Sunday, 2 August, when video footage posted online & shared to the Teesside & Durham Post appeared to show a man being assaulted by security personnel during the Hartlepool festival the previous evening.
At the time the footage was brought to the force’s attention, officers had reportedly not received a formal complaint from an alleged victim.
Police enquiries subsequently identified a 25-year-old man who was receiving hospital treatment following the incident for a suspected broken nose as well as other injuries, with officers visiting the victim in person on Monday..
Its now reported that a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
A Section 18 allegation concerns causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is regarded as one of the most serious non-fatal offences against the person.
The arrested man is expected to be questioned by detectives while enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
Police officers are also continuing to liaise with Hartlepool Borough Council and the organisers of the Open Jar festival.
Video footage circulated online, which has now been removed following the event appeared to show a confrontation involving a number of security staff and a man on the ground, prompting widespread concern and calls for a full investigation into the conduct of those involved.
Despite Cleveland Police repeatedly failing to engage with the Teesside & Durham Post its claimed the police force with no public confidence is now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who recorded photographs or video footage, to contact the force by calling 101 and quoting reference 152776.
Cleveland Police Refused to give the Teesside & Durham Post a statement when requested earlier…..
