Lancashire Police arrest 11-year-old on suspicion of hate crime against another child at Chorley playground
The 6-year-old victim’s mum was horrified and alerted police...
An 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of a hate crime after another child was racially assaulted on a Chorley playground.
The incident occurred at around 5pm on Sunday (September 5) at Harpers Lane Recreation Ground, where a six-year-old boy was approached by two older boys.
The pair were carrying red and black permanent markers and tricked the youngster, who innocently allowed them to scrawl the N-word on his forehead and arm.
Lancashire Police said they were treating the incident “extremely seriously” and officers have been visiting local schools and conducting door-to-door enquiries to identify the two boys.
The force has now confirmed that an 11-year-old was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault and criminal damage yesterday.
He has since been bailed pending further enquiries and efforts are ongoing to identify a second suspect.
Police statement
A police spokesperson said: “As a reminder we were called at 6.28pm on Saturday (September 5) to a report of racially aggravated assault on Harpers Recreation Ground, Harpers Lane, Chorley,
“A six-year-old boy who was playing in the park had been approached by two older children and that a racist word had been written on his forehead and arm with a marker pen.
“A slide in the play area was also graffitied with an offensive word. The boy and his family are being supported.
“We have been treating this incident extremely seriously and an investigation has been ongoing
“Following enquiries, we yesterday arrested an 11-year-old boy on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and racially aggravated assault.
“He has since been bailed pending further enquiries and efforts are ongoing to identify a second suspect. We will keep you updated.
“Officers remain out and about in the park and surrounding area as reassurance. Please feel free to approach an officer if you have any information or concerns.
“If you were in the park on Saturday afternoon and saw what happened or have information, please contact 101 – quoting log 1021 of September 5.
“You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”