A second man has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into two violent robberies in Leicestershire, one of which involved a man being struck with a belt and forced to transfer money from his bank account. Police were first called to Bath Lane in Leicester on Saturday following reports that a group of men, aged 18 and 19, had entered a property and assaulted a man inside.

Officers were later informed of a similar incident that occurred the previous day at an address in Harborough, where a group of men allegedly demanded money transfers and designer clothing from the occupants. Leicestershire Police initially arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. He was later released on bail. On Thursday, a second 19-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of robbery, false imprisonment and causing actual bodily harm.

He remains in custody as enquiries continue. The incidents have drawn widespread attention after footage showing a young man being hit repeatedly with a belt circulated widely on social media earlier this week. Police have since confirmed the video relates to the Bath Lane attack and that all individuals involved are aged between 18 and 19.

In a statement, Leicester Police said: “The suspects had left the scene before officers arrived, and it was then disclosed that a similar incident had occurred at a property in Leicestershire the day before.”

The earlier Harborough incident was also referenced in a TikTok video by the alleged vivtim who claims he and a friend were robbed, pressured to buy back their own clothing and assaulted. The video — posted by creator The Hunna Way, has since amassed more than two million views.

Police are urging anyone with information about either incident to come forward.

A spokesperson for the University of Leicester confirmed they are aware of the circulating videos, adding:
“We are treating these reports very seriously. We do not believe the alleged perpetrator is a University of Leicester student, nor do we believe the incident took place in university-owned or managed accommodation. However, we remain in close contact with Leicestershire Police to establish whether any members of our community have been affected so the appropriate support can be provided.”