News

FAMILY MAN ATTACKED BY 'HAPPY SLAPPING' YOUTHS

Police are appealing for information about a so-called ‘happy-slapping’ incidenton the sea front in Dymchurch.

A 34-year-old man was walking with his wife and son from St Mary’s Bay to Dymchurch at 4.20 pm o­n Thursday 13 July when three young males aged about 16 walked past them going in the direction of St Mary’s.

Around 30 seconds later, one of the youths ran up behind the man and punched him in the eye, which caused him to fall to the ground.

The victim tried to grab the offender’s leg, but another youth started kicking him whilst he was still o­n the ground.

The youths ran off towards St Mary’s Bay, and one was o­n a mountain bike. It is thought the youth o­n the bike filmed the assault on a mobile phone camera.

PC Andy Perham who is investigating this incident said:  “This was an unprovoked assault o­n a man enjoying a sea front walk with his family.”

“We treat such incidents very seriously and I would urge anyone with information about the offenders to contact me.”

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact PC Andy Perham o­n 01303 850055.