Man held over attack on autistic boy
A MAN has been arrested after a teenage boy with autism was attacked outside a takeaway.
Police said the 14-year-old was set upon by a group of people, some of whom were carrying bats, near Denton Kebab House, on Ashton Road, in Denton, Tameside.
The teenager, whose father asked the M.E.N. not to name, was taken to hospital following the attack.
He was left with broken teeth, bruises and lacerations on his back.
The boy spent the night, undergoing X-rays and scans, before being released on Sunday.
Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation and have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted assault.
He remains in police custody for questioning, a force spokesman said.
Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses - or anyone with information - to come forward.
Det Sgt Joseph Harrop, from GMP’s Tameside borough said: “We have made an arrest but our investigation is still in the early stages.
“Thankfully the boy will recover from his injuries, but the mental impact of what has happened to him will take much longer to recover from.
“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the assault as soon as possible.”
The boy’s father, John Horsfall, said: “He came through the door, covered in blood, screaming.
“He was in so much pain. He’s had a brain scan, a scan on his back and neck and then more x-rays the next morning.
“Luckily, everything has come back clear but all his teeth are broken and he has lots of bruises and lacerations on his back which look like they’re from a bar.
“I don’t know exactly what happened, or why, but whoever did this is callous.
“I just don’t understand how someone can beat up a kid so badly with so much force,” he said.
Anyone with any information about the incident on Saturday at about 9.30pm is asked to call police on 0161 856 9256, quoting reference number 2094 of September 15. Reports can also be made via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.