Young victim of street attack speaks out
ATEENAGE girl has released harrowing pictures after she was hospitalised following a street attack.
Libby Shepherd, 17, was walking along Pickup Street in Accrington when she was attacked by another girl, believed to be around 15 years old, who was part of a group of youths.
She was taken to hospital with muscle injuries, bruises and scratches to her head and ‘lots of missing hair’.
The incident happened at around 6pm on Friday, April 21 and the police are investigating.
The former Mount Carmel High School pupil, from Oswaldtwistle, remained in hospital for five days for treatment and has now been discharged.
However Libby has been left unable to walk anywhere on her own and is relying on the support from her mum Joanne Shepherd and her boyfriend Dec Watson.
She has now posted pictures on Facebook warning other youngsters about the dangers of ‘jumping, attacking or assaulting’ someone.
In the post she said: “The pictures don’t really show the extent of the pain I was in as it was round 3-4am on Saturday morning when they were taken and I was very tired and drained, however I hope people get some sort of message that this is NOT okay.
“To put someone in a life threatening position like this, I am writing this to just let everyone know how dangerous one hit or one kick can actually be.
“Most injuries you could see were minor such as a bruise to the side of my face, lots of missing hair in the hairline of my head and a couple of scratches and bruises, however the damage is all internal you don’t have to see it to feel it.
“It wasn’t late at night, it wasn’t dark, I wasn’t alone and the streets were busy. Avoiding the obvious signs are not always the case.
“I am happily at home getting the best support as I can not do simple things without them such as get up the stairs, pick things off the floor, get in the bath etc.
“I can’t even walk to the bathroom on my own, or anywhere on my own. My dog even notices I am not okay and this will continue for longer than a bump to the head or a stomach bug. I am glad to be back in my own surroundings with the amazing help and support.”
Anyone with information call police on 101.