Third attack in park
● Police investigating after two more assaults in Horsham Park reported, with one man subjected to a ‘vicious attack’ ● Senior councillor advises us to avoid the area after dark
After two attacks in as many days in Horsham Park a senior politician has spoken out warning people to stay away from the area after dark.
Around 11.30pm on Thursday, September 9, a 23-year-old man was attacked by two young men near the Kaya In The Park cafe in North Street, police say. The attackers are described by police as being in their late teens/early twenties, wearing black tracksuits.
They punched and kicked the man as he lay on the ground, inflicting multiple fractures to his eye socket.
Detective constable Charlotte Carter said: “This was a vicious attack and our enquiries are continuing. We believe there were also several other youths of similar age present.
“The cafe was still open at that time and had a number of customers. If you were there or nearby and saw anything of what happened, please contact us either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1684 of 09/09.”
Just hours later a 13-yearold boy suffered facial injuries in a second attack in the park in broad daylight.
Police were called about 6pm on Friday following the assault, a spokesman said. The victim suffered cuts and bruising to his face.
He added: “It is believed the incident involved children of a similar age and who are known to the victim. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who saw what happened or who has any other information is asked to report it online or call 101 quoting reference 1122 of 10/09.”
In a third shocking incident a man suffered a head injury when a group of people attacked him in the park last month.
Horsham District Council cabinet member for community matters and wellbeing councillor Claire Vickers said Thursday’s assault was ‘very traumatic’ for the victim.
She added: “Some areas of Horsham Park are covered by the Public Space CCTV Network, these cameras are fully functional during the day and after dark, and are monitored by Sussex Police.”
Neighbourhood Wardens patrol the site in daylight hours, Mrs Vickers said.
She added: “The council always encourages pedestrians, particularly those who are alone, not to walk through the park after dark and to use the routes along the surrounding fully lit main roads during the hours of darkness.”