Teen Mob Terrorises Lancaster Park with Hate Crime Assaults
Police hunt witnesses after a gang of around 15 teenagers went on a violent rampage in Williamson Park, Lancaster, last month. Three victims were assaulted, and a woman was targeted with vile transgender abuse just before 9.50pm on October 24.
Brutal Attacks and Transgender Abuse
A close-knit group of friends faced a nightmare ordeal. Verbal abuse kicked off the chaos, including targeted transgender slurs against a teenage girl. As they tried to leave towards Wyresdale Road, a man in his 20s was slammed on the back of the head — believed to be by a male attacker.
A teenage girl was then yanked to the ground by her hair and battered with kicks.
The gang followed them onto Wyresdale Road, hurling more abuse. When another teen girl threatened to phone the police, the crowd flew into a rage, trying to swat her phone away. She was dragged to the road and pulled down by her hair once again.
Victims Suffer Serious Injuries and Shock
Despite the ordeal, the girl managed to get up and jump into the man’s car. He raced to hospital where medics stitched a serious head wound requiring six stitches. The female victim wasn’t seriously hurt but was left visibly shaken by the attack.
Police Crackdown and Appeal for Help
Officers arrested a 17-year-old girl from Lancaster on suspicion of GBH, ABH, and common assault. She has now been released under investigation as police treat the case as a hate crime.
“This was a particularly nasty and shocking incident which has left one man with a serious head injury and two women badly shaken. We do not tolerate any form of abuse and will work tirelessly to bring all offenders to justice,” said DC Nikki Marshall.
“Everyone has the right to live free from fear of abuse. Abusing someone because of who they are is unacceptable and will not be ignored. Reassurance patrols in the area have been stepped up.”
Witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage are urged to contact police at [email protected] or call 101 quoting log 1426 of October 24, 2020. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
If you’ve been affected by crime, support is available from Lancashire Victim Services on 0300 323 0085 or online at www.lancashirevictimservices.org.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
