A SECOND man has been arrested in connection with reports of a driver approaching children as young as five in and around Knaphill.

A 47-year-old man from Chertsey was arrested in Goldsworth Park following reports of suspicious activity on Saturday.

He is currently on police bail and is due to report back on July 22.

West Surrey Detective Chief Inspector Karen Mizzi, who is leading the investigation, said: “The community can be reassured officers from CID are working closely with the Woking Safer Neighbourhood Team in this ongoing inquiry and that any information passed to police by the public will be acted on accordingly.

“This morning saw a number of officers carrying out an anniversary visit in the immediate vicinity of Inkerman Road, where there was a report of a suspicious incident involving a man talking with a schoolgirl on Monday, May 13 at around 8am.

“In a bid to jog people’s memories officers spoke with local residents and those in the area who might have information which could help with the investigation.

“There have been no further incidents reported and activity by Surrey Police continues in order to collate as much information as possible into the recent incidents.”

A KNAPHILL bookmakers have applied for a licence to operate a second betting shop only a few doors from its existing premises in the village.

Coral Racing currently run a bookies at 29A High Street and have acquired another location at number 13, the former branch of HSBC.

Knaphill Residents’ Association secretary Phil Stubbs said: “When we got wind of their licence application, we wrote to Coral head office to ask what exactly they were planning.

“They stated that for the first three months following the opening of their new shop, they will operate the two betting premises, and that if business is good they will retain both shops.”

The licence Corals have applied for includes four fixed-odds ‘casino-type’ betting terminals (FOBT). Slot machines are graded A, B, C and D – with D being a typical pub fruit machine licensed to dish out up to £70. The fixed-odds terminals applied for are B grade, which means they can cough up £500.

Mr Stubbs added: “High Street, Knaphill, isn’t the largest shopping area and one must question whether two betting shops will attract good-quality retailers to the village.

“There is also a great deal of research into the dangers of FOBTs and their impact on households where someone is addicted to gambling.

“The law limits a betting shop to a maximum of four FOBTs, so by having two shops Coral will have eight machines within yards of each other.

“Is this within the spirit of the law? There is a great deal of evidence on the web about the addictive nature of these machines.”

The residents’ association lodged a strong objection with Woking Borough Council but were told it could not be accepted because there are no grounds for the location and the number of bookmakers in a shopping area.

However, Knaphill councillor Melanie Whitehand said: “I am quite concerned about this. I am very sensitive about any shop opening in our High Street.

“I am about to send another objection to the licensing committee.

“We still have vulnerable people in the community from the former Brookwood Hospital, the Priory and Alpha, and I feel there is no justification for another bookmakers.

“It is the vulnerable in particular who get hooked on gambling.”

Surrey County and Knaphill councillor Saj Hussain added: “I am totally opposed to a second bookmakers in our village.

“We really don’t need another premises for gambling – especially when it’s on the same side of the street and just a few yards away from the existing one.”

Coral shops also have a history of being targeted in raids and there are concerns that another gambling business of this type will attract more potentially violent crime.

In December last year, a lone female member of staff was held at knifepoint at the High Street branch during a raid, while an alleged accomplice waited outside.

Both suspects escaped on foot through the rear of the building with a pocketful of cash before making off down Fosters Lane, towards the Highclere Estate.

Fortunately, on this occasion, apart from being frightened and in shock, the victim was not injured.

In March this year, staff and punters at the Coral betting shop in St Johns were held at gunpoint by raiders who fled the scene in a getaway vehicle.

THE Countess of Wessex stole the hearts of Bisley parishioners in a ceremony that honoured two individuals who went above and beyond to serve St John the Baptist Church.

A church extension, named in memory of the late John and Rosemary Cooper, had its ribbon cut in royal style by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, last Thursday.

John and Rosemary’s son Christopher, plus his niece Kali, 35, and her one-year-old daughter, Posy, joined members of the community and Surrey Heath dignitaries for the special ceremony.

Christopher, 70, said: “My mother and father would be very proud to know they have a room named after them in their local church. It was a surprise to hear it would be named after them but they really did do a lot for the church.”

Visit organiser and chairman of the extension committee, Peter Fry, thanked Her Royal Highness for giving up her time to help make the day so memorable.

He said: “Three generations of Coopers got to meet The Countess and that was a great touch.

“She is very intelligent, having had a career in public relations, and is a very warm ‘people person’. She listens to what people are saying and responds to that. The atmosphere was great and Sophie was wonderful.”

Bells tolled as The Countess made her arrival, and once all were inside the church, Reverend Andy Armitt led the prayers. Bishop Ian Brackley then blessed the newly-opened Cooper Room.

Applause broke out as the Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque and signed her name in the visitors’ book. A small bouquet of flowers was presented to The Countess by local Beaver Daniel Watson and Bisley Rainbow Isabelle Heney.

Flag-wielding pupils from Bisley Primary and Holy Trinity School in West End gave Her Royal Highness a superb send-off, her car pulling away from the Clews Lane church to a throng of waving Union Flags.

“What a treat seeing the Countess in our local church,” added the delighted Arthur Hurst, 72, from Bisley. “It’s not every day that happens.”

A MAN has been bailed following a series of suspicious incidents in Knaphill.

Police arrested a 27-year-old on Tuesday after reports of a driver in a green vehicle approaching children as young as five in and around the village.

Officers have launched a fresh appeal for information as their investigation continues.

Detectives say they are keen to hear from anyone who saw a man talking to a 12-year-old young secondary school girl in the Inkerman Road area, at around 8am on Monday, May 13.

The man is described as white, around 6ft tall, with dark hair and was clean shaven. He was wearing a light coloured top and dark trousers.

West Surrey Detective Chief Inspector Karen Mizzi said: “We are continuing with our enquiries into this incident and now are keen to get even more help from the community who may have seen someone matching this description in the vicinity at this time. The area would have been busy with school runs and commuters and I am urging anyone who has any information to call officers at Surrey Police as soon as possible.

“In the meantime increased patrols will continue in the area to provide visible reassurance in the neighbourhood.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference WK/13/2648.

POLICE have urged residents to help identify the owner of a green vehicle who has been spotted approaching children as young as five in and around Knaphill.

Officers are investigating after three incidents were reported of a man in a green vehicle talking to minors, in one case even offering them money.

The first incident happened on Sunday, May 5 when an unknown driver approached two girls in Nursery Road, Knaphill.

The incident was reported to officers by the father of a five-year-old who said he had seen her talking to a man in an “old-style” green vehicle. He became suspicious and called out to his daughter, which prompted the man to drive away.

Officers received reports of a man in a similarly described car stopping near a five-year-old girl outside the Co-op supermarket in the High Street on April 29.

In this instance, the girl said the man pulled up alongside her and asked if she wanted a pound coin.

She took the money but threw it on the ground because she said it felt plastic. The man is described as white with a wrinkled face and hands.

The latest incident happened on Monday morning when a 12-year-old secondary school pupil was approached in Raglan Road at the junction with Hermitage Road around 8am.

The man was again driving a green vehicle.

Neighbourhood Commander Inspector John Davies said: “Firstly, I would like to reassure the community that we are aware of these incidents and are investigating to try to establish what has taken place. The Safer Neighbourhood Team are working closely with the local community and has stepped up patrols in the area.

“We do no have a lot of information at the moment but would encourage anyone who is approached by a man in a car matching this description to contact the police.

“We have stepped up patrols in Knaphill and will be working with the local community to try to establish what exactly has taken place.”

SWARMS of people packed the streets as the quintessentially British festivities of Chobham Carnival stormed into the village amid glorious sunshine.

If Bank Holidays had a fl avour, then they would tickle the tongue with lashings of strawberries and cream, washed down of course with Pimm’s and real ale for the adults and fizzy drinks for the kids.

The theme for the day was ‘country and village life’ and was simply impossible to get away from. Prizes were dished out to the most creative floats that lined the meandering parade, dissecting the crowds stacked either side of the High Street.

DIDDLY DEE MEN – Chobham Morris Men add to the celebrations

Bagpipes blared from Surrey’s Pipe Band and laughter eminated from every corner of the usually quiet village.

Band-member Kenneth Thomson, 67, said: “We’ve been going for 20 years – nearly as long as the carnival. It was nice that so many people turned up to enjoy us playing. It was also nice to see that thing called The Sun!”

Whether Kenneth was referring to the immaculate weather or Chobham’s famous watering hole is unclear, one thing for certain is that Chobham was positively rocking on Monday.

Traditional Maypole dancing produced lashings of colour to break the sea of blue in the sky above, while stalls, shows, tombolas, face-painting and dance offered enough entertainment to last an entire summer.

Families flocked to the carnival, and high spirits were only lifted higher by sunshine.

Alan Hole, 34, of Horsell, said: “The live music outside in the sunshine has been my favourite thing about the day – along with the food, of course. Me and the children really enjoyed the tug-of-war competition.”

Trish Stock, 72, of Chobham, said: “I have been coming here for five years and this year has been glorious – the best year yet. I think the event brings the community together, and having the children playing
everywhere is just lovely.”

THE family of a 22-year-old killed by a train at Guildford station have paid tribute to a loving man who lit up the lives of everyone around him.

Ryan Harrison, from Woking, died after falling in the gap between a train, which had just started pulling out of the station, and the platform edge on Saturday night.

Paramedics attended but sadly Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene.

TRIBUTE – Ryan (left) with mum Sue and brother Bradley

In a statement, Ryan’s family said: “Ryan was the biggest, brightest ray of sunshine for us. He loved life, his family and his friends.

“He was a brother, son and boyfriend – we were so lucky to have him in our lives.

“He always looked so smart and gorgeous. He was ambitious in life and loved to party. He was a true sun worshipper and always had to have a tan.

“His family have been totally devastated by his loss, and we ask to be left in peace and given time to grieve. We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and tributes – we take strength from seeing how much he was loved by everyone who knew him.

“He had the biggest, kindest heart, and a bright light has been turned off in all of us who knew and loved him. Rest in peace Ryan, sleep tight our darling.”

It is believed Ryan, who was with a friend at the time, was involved in an altercation with a group of men shortly before his death.

Two 19-year-olds, both from Guildford, and a third man, from Cranleigh, were arrested and have been quizzed on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident.

All have been released on bail until May.