Police are seeking witnesses after a teenager was assaulted in a incident on the footpath between the Willow Brook Centre and Dewfalls Drive.
Avon and Somerset Police issued the following statement yesterday (Wednesday 3rd June):
The incident happened at about 9:55pm on Thursday 2nd May when two groups of teenagers met up on the path that runs between Savages Wood Road and Dewfalls Drive.
One group left the area pursued by the other teenagers but the 14-year-old victim became separated.
He was then punched in the face by two of the pursuing group and then kicked in the face. The victim was then pulled down to the floor by some of the other youths to prevent the assault from continuing.
The victim suffered minor injuries in the incident, which did not require medical treatment.
The suspects are described as six youths, aged between 15-17 years.
Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident who may have seen the two groups.
They are also keen to hear from members of the second group who may have helped the victim by pulling him to the floor to avoid further punches.
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Staple Hill police station on 0845 4567000.
The police media office declined to explain the month-long delay between the incident occurring and publication of the appeal.
New lighting has been installed along a section of the footpath in the last few days, although it is not known if this work has any connection with the reported assault.
Residents of homes bordering pedestrian routes around the Willow Brook Centre have suffered from increased vandalism and anti-social behaviour since access to the new town centre was opened up in 2008.
Manor Farm Crescent, accessed via a branch off the Dewfalls Road footpath, has been a particular area of concern and officers from South Gloucestershire Council are currently looking at options for addressing the issues.
Bradley Stoke Councillor Robert Jones recently suggested the possibility of ‘gating’ the Manor Farm Crescent route, enabling it to be closed off at night.
