Witness appeal following assault in Southampton

We are appealing for witnesses to an assault in Southampton on Tuesday evening (16 August).

At around 7.20pm, a 17-year-old boy was walking through Riverside Park near to the cycle practice area, when he was approached by a group of seven or eight youths.

They then proceeded to punch and kick him, leaving him with a bloody nose and minor facial injuries, before they left the area.

The youths were described as being White, wearing hooded tops and one wearing a bandana headscarf.

Acting Inspector Phil Taunt from the Southampton North Neighbourhoods Policing Team said: “This unprovoked attack left the teenager in a state of shock.

“We believe there were other people in the park at the time of the incident who may have seen what happened, including a young man and woman playing football, two people sat together on a bench and a group of people playing cricket.

“If you saw what happened, have mobile phone footage of the incident or know who was involved in the assault, please contact us on 101 or report via our website.

“We have conducted reassurance patrols in the park since the incident happened and continue to work with our partners to improve security in the area.”