Basildon Gloucester Park attack 'worrying', councillor says

The 17-year-old boy was found injured in Gloucester Park shortly after 6.55pm on Friday.

He was taken to hospital for treatment, but officers have said his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening or life changing.

Police say it is believed he was “attacked by a group of people” who then fled the area.

Maryam Yaqub, Basildon councillor responsible for St Martin’s ward, was shocked to hear of the incident and pledged to continue to tackle anti-social behaviour in parks.

She said: “It’s really worrying to see someone being injured in that way.

“There’s no space for such violence and such behaviour in our communities and we want to make sure young people can go about their days without enduring something like this—its really disappointing. We want people to feel comfortable using our parks, and tackling antisocial behaviour and crime in our parks is a priority for us.

“I wish the boy well and hope he has a speedy recovery.”

Essex Police has urged any witnesses to get in touch to assist with the investigation following the incident.

A spokesman said: “We need anyone who saw what happened to come forward.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote the crime reference number 42/132852/24.”

Reports can be made by submitting a report on the force’s website or by using the online Live Chat service, or by making an anonymous report you by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers.

It is the second incident in the area in mere weeks after armed thugs in balaclavas robbed a group of girls at knifepoint in a robbery in Gloucester Park on July 31 .

The mother of the one of the victims revealed how the group of girls were targeted by three boys, all wearing balaclavas and armed with knives, near the skate park.

She said it was a “parent’s worse nightmare” and said she now worries about letting her teenage daughter visit the park.