Police in West Bridgford have issued a dispersal order for Bridgford Park to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The order is in place for 48 hours.
The police statement provided below is in response to our request for information after we spoke with a West Bridgford mum whose 14-year-old daughter was violently assaulted after a group of two boys and two girls approached her and her friends in the park on Friday evening, so anti-social behaviour seems perhaps a light description of what actually was reported to have happened to the child.
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Other residents have told The Wire that over the weekend there were several other incidents of a very similar nature in Compton Acres shopping precinct, and another similar incident also at Bridgford Park – on Bridge Field. These incidents, according to the residents, were targeted on a 13-year-old girl in Bridgford Park and an 11-year-old in Compton Acres.
Statement
Sergeant Sarah Merrall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have received several reports of anti-social behaviour in the area over the last few days and this is something we take very seriously.
“In response a dispersal order has been issued to cover the park and surrounding area to target groups who are perceived as causing or likely to cause nuisance.
“As a result, anyone who refuses to leave the area when asked will be committing an offence. Members of the Neighbourhood Policing team will also be out and about throughout the week to respond to and tackle any reports of anti-social behaviour.
“I would also encourage residents who are concerned about crime and disorder to get in contact with us as soon as possible. We will listen and we will react.”
Sergeant Merrall added in relation to the attack on a 14-year-old on Friday: ( see below and RELATED )
“This was a very upsetting incident for the victim and we are currently investigating what happened. To this end I would encourage any witnesses to come forward at the earliest opportunity by calling 101 and quoting incident 661 of 6 May 2022.
RELATED: 14-year-old girl assaulted in Bridgford Park by group who filmed the incident
Full story below from 7 May:
A West Bridgford mum is appealing for witnesses after her 14-year-old daughter was reportedly violently attacked in an unprovoked assault near Bridgford Park.
It 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:
‘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.
All the suspects are thought to be aged between 13 to 15.
If you saw anything please call 101 Nottinghamshire Police quoting incident number 0661-06052022.
Nottinghamshire Police has been contacted for comment.
