Police investigating a series of assaults against children have arrested four teenage suspects.
Officers are investigating a series of seven assaults on children between the ages of nine and 14 in the West Bridgford and Compton Acres areas between Friday 6 May and Sunday 8 May.
Two 13-year-old girls, a 13-year-old boy and a 14 year-old boy were arrested yesterday (Tuesday) on suspicion of assault and later released on bail.
Their bail conditions forbid them from returning to West Bridgford.
A temporary dispersal order was also put in place in the Bridgford Park area in response to the a spate of complaints about aggressive and antisocial behaviour.
Sergeant Sarah Merrall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour and have moved very quickly to speak with victims and identify suspects.
“The safety and well-being of our residents is our number one priority and we won’t hesitate to do so again.
“Additional patrols will continue in local parks as we work to reassure the public.”
One of the assaults happened by the ‘teenage play area’ at around 4:50 pm on Friday 6 May on Bridge Field ( where dog walkers are often present ) opposite Bridgford Road Co-op.
The girl’s mother told The Wire the day after the attack:
‘My daughter was with her friends walking across the field when a group of four teenagers approached them, who they didn’t know.
“There were two girls and two boys, one was wearing a balaclava.
“They asked my daughter ‘what she was looking at’ and the two teenage girls then punched and kicked her – one of them filmed it on their mobile device, whilst still attacking her.
“I am desperate for any witnesses to report what they saw to the police, as the park was busy.
“Her friends were all terrified but were told by one of the gang they would also be attacked if they tried to call police or intervene.
“Luckily my daughter and her friends managed to escape and went to a local shop to safety.
“The group were seen leaving the back of the park towards Ella Road.
“My daughter was left with a bloodied and bruised face and nose, but incredibly no serious injuries.
“But it could have been much worse.
“They have all been left shocked and upset . Somebody must know someone in this group of four.
“It’s unbelievable this could happen in a busy park and I am frightened it could happen again.
