Police probe child grooming claims at laser tag arena
A police investigation into suspected child grooming at a laser tag games arena in Willenhall has been launched.
Laser 20, on Upper Lichfield Street, is the subject of an inquiry by West Midlands Police after reports regarding the alleged grooming of youngsters to neighbourhood officers.
The alert was raised by a neighbouring trader after a boy allegedly confided to a shopkeeper.
A 41-year-old man from Manchester has been arrested on suspicion of grooming and is currently on police bail.
Sergeant Kelvin Rowlands, West Midlands Police, said in a report to the Willenhall South Area Panel: "Laser 20 in Upper Lichfield Street has been closed in the town centre.
"This is as a result of an on-going investigation into the grooming of children and instigated by this team following concerns for children who had come to the attention of the team for other matters.
"Two officers from this team have been recommended for a police award for their swift intervention aimed at safeguarding local children.
"The inquiry is continuing under the banner of Operation Elm by other police departments. In the meantime the building is now for sale."
The site, which hosts the longest laser tag games in the UK, according to the attraction's Facebook page, opened on December 5, 2015.
At a meeting of the Willenhall South Area Panel on Tuesday West Midlands Police's Hannah Fitzgerald said: "We can confirm that this is part of an on-going investigation into Laser 20 in Willenhall. A 41 year-old man from Manchester has been arrested on suspicion of grooming and is currently on police bail as our inquiries continue.
"The premises was not shut down by the police."
Councillor Sean Coughlan, who represents Willenhall South, said the situation was worrying.
He said: "I was made aware of issues at the site by traders and residents, which was reported immediately to police.
"Within days it closed down and an arrest was made. The safeguarding of our children is of the utmost importance and I hope that the conclusion to this sad situation is the right one."
