A POLICE officer and young boy were spotted playing football in a Hartlepool street on Monday.
On Monday, July 20, PCSOs were out on a foot patrol in the Victoria ward of Hartlepool were met by a family out in the street playing a game of football.
The young boy challenged PCSO Graeme Handley to a penalty shoot out.
Inspector Matt Reeves from Hartlepool Neighbourhood Policing Team, who does not know who won the game, said: “Our team can regularly be seen patrolling the town and this is important because we want to be visible and for people to know we’re a part of their community.
“Our patrols have continued throughout the Covid-19 period and we’ve had lots of feedback about how reassuring that has been for local people.
“I’m proud of our team who are committed to listening to communities, solving problems and tackling crime.
“Interactions like this with youngsters across the town, and in schools, help to build trust and ensure we’re seen as part of the community for years to come.”
Sharing the incident on social media, Hartlepool Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This is a lovely example of community engagement and shows the willingness of local officers to engage with youths."
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