Terror in gardens as two men attacked on bench

‘Anti-social behaviour is spoiling all the good work being done’

Police patrols were this week stepped up in the Westgate Gardens following a spate of violence.

The move follows a robbery in which a man was kicked into the River Stour and a second assault which left the victim with head injuries.

It has sparked claims a minority of troublemakers are plaguing the picturesque gardens. Cllr Terry Westgate says he is concerned that hard work being done to maintain the gardens was being ruined by anti-social behaviour.

Officers were first called at 2pm on Sunday when two men in their 20s were approached by a gang and threatened.

A thug snatched the sunglasses from one victim before the group, described as of eastern European descent, set about the pair, punching and kicking them.

One of the victims, who did not want to be named, described the attack as “frightening and completely unprovoked”.

The 28-year-old told the Gazette: “It was a lovely day so we had gone out for a walk in the gardens and were just sat on a bench minding our own business when this group of about eight young men walked past.

“One of them said ‘have you got a problem with us’ and then told us to leave. We didn’t want any trouble and were clearly outnumbered so got up to walk away.

“Then one of them snatched the sunglasses from my friend and they began attacking us.

“My friend was kicked into the river and they spat on him. It was very frightening and completely unprovoked and we both had cuts and bruises to our heads and necks.

“The police and an ambulance were called but paramedics decided we didn’t need to go to hospital.

“The group who attacked us were aged between 18 and 25, spoke with foreign accents and looked eastern European.

“I just think its crazy that this happened in broad daylight in a public park where families are supposed to be safe and enjoy themselves.”

Officers searched the area but could not find the gang, but a spokesman said patrols would be stepped up as a result of the incidents.

Police say the second attack was reported at 6.20pm on Sunday when a man in his 50s was assaulted near the Burma Star memorial in the park.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital. Police say inquiries into both attacks are ongoing.

Anyone with information should call 01843 222289.

Westgate Gardens has been troubled by crime and antisocial behaviour