Kentish Express Ashford & District
Elderly couple injured in terrifying incident
Police are appealing for help in tracking down a gang of yobs who have carried out a series of dangerous catapult attacks across Ashford.
An elderly couple were left injured and shaken after being fired at with a catapult – the latest in a series of attacks across Ashford.
Police are investigating the reports, and believe the latest incidents may be linked to a number of other reports of stones being hurled at buses, causing windows to shatter or smash.
On Sunday, the couple were sitting on a bench near the basketball courts in Victoria Park, Ashford, when they were fired at by three boys with what appeared to be a catapult.
Sgt Jasmine Bloomfield said: “A stone hit the man’s head, causing a cut, and another stone hit his wife’s arm.
“They were understandably upset by the incident.”
The t hree boys were described as aged 15 or 16.
Two were on mountain bikes, the third was on a BMX.
One was described as chubby with ginger hair, the second had short, dark brown hair, and the third was wearing a grey hooded top and had mousey hair.
Earlier the same afternoon, shortly before 3pm, four boys were reported to have been firing a catapult in Tannery Lane, Ashford.
One was described as wearing a green fishing jacket and blue joggers. Another was wearing a blue Ellesse top. The other two had bikes.
Police were also alerted to a report of four boys with a catapult in a fast food restaurant in the High Street just before 1pm on Monday, January 9.
Sgt Bloomfield said: “These individuals may think firing stones from a catapult is a bit of fun, but it can clearly cause both damage and injury.
“We are keen to trace the youngsters who are doing this as their actions are extremely dangerous and they need to be stopped.”
Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents or recognises the descriptions is asked to call police on 01842 222289, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 quoting reference ZY/000985/17.