POLICE have confirmed they have arrested a person on suspicion of assault and criminal damage after reports of aggressive begging in Stourbridge.

Taking to Twitter, Stourbridge Police said today (Monday May 22) that the suspect had been taken into custody to await court proceedings.

They said: "Pleased to report one of the persistence aggressive beggars around Stourbridge town has been arrested for assault and criminal damage and now remanded in custody for court.

"Such behaviour will not be tolerated and positive action taken.

"Thank you to all who have supported."

The town has been plagued by reports of persistent aggressive begging in recent weeks.

Police, councillors and officials from Dudley Council carried out a high visibility operation in the town centre almost a month ago to remove piles of bedding and belongings left in doorways after calls for action from the public to tackle the problem.

Reports, however, of people being approached by aggressive beggars have continued.