Appeal after Lancashire teen is assaulted in park

The assault took place near to the playground close to the running track in Witton Park, Blackburn, on Thursday, June 23, at around 9.10pm

After being punched several times to the face, the 16-year-old victim was knocked to the ground where he continued to be punched. Several teenagers are thought to have been involved in the assault.

The victim attended hospital with a serious facial injury but has since been discharged.

Two teenagers – both aged 16 and from Blackburn – have been interviewed on suspicion of racially/religiously aggravated wounding/grievous bodily harm. They have both since been released pending further enquiries.

Detectives want to speak to a couple who were walking past at the time of the assault and stopped to help.

DC Rebecca Charnley, of Blackburn CID, said: “This was a serious assault which has left the young victim with some quite nasty injuries.

“We take all incidents of this nature extremely seriously and we have dedicated officers assigned to this case.

Although we have spoken to two individuals in relation to this assault our enquiries are very much ongoing.

“I know news of this assault will cause residents a degree of concern. However, this is very much being treated as an isolated incident. Reassurance patrols were increased in the aftermath of the assault as a precaution.”

Anyone with information should email [email protected] or call 101, quoting log 1413 of June 23, 2022.