Police have charged a man with grooming and are “looking into” a brawl that broke out after a sting by so-called “paedophile hunters” at Bluewater Shopping Centre.
Mirza Mispa Beg, 29, of no fixed address, was arrested by Kent Police officers after being confronted by members of a group called The Hunted One on Easter Sunday.
Beg was remanded in custody to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court today (April 18).
As Beg was being confronted outside the shopping centre in Greenhithe, passers-by appeared to attack him, leading to a brawl to erupt in the car park.
A police spokesman said they were still "looking into" the wider disturbance.
Since broadcasting the incident live on Facebook, The Hunted One has declared itself inactive.
In a post the group said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Hunted One are considering closing the team and Facebook group down.
“This is nothing to do with any convictions, or any pending cases.
@sundaypolitics We strongly discourage people taking the law into their own hands to avoid putting themselves, and others, in any danger. 1/2
— Kent Police (UK) (@kent_police) 18 April 2017
"This may not be permanent but the decision at the moment is that we will no longer be active.
“We thank you all for your support over the last 18 months, and will continue to update you with ongoing cases once these have been dealt with in court.”
The group claims to have played a part in 56 arrests including suspects from Sidcup, Dartford and Belvedere.
Kent Police have discouraged people from taking similar action.
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