Youngster assaulted by man on crutches at Astle Park – police seek witnesses

A FAMILY-friendly event in Chelford turned sour at the weekend after a 12-year-old boy from Goostrey was subjected to a ‘nasty unprovoked’ assault with a metal crutch.

Cheshire Police were called to the Astle Park Steam Rally shortly before closing time on Saturday August 9, after reports a young child had been attacked.

At around 10pm, the unnamed boy was walking through the grounds, near to the carousel ride, when he accidentally collided with a young man.

The man became immediately abusive, shouting and swearing at the child, before striking him with one of his metal crutches with force.

The boy, who managed to run away from the man to his nearby parents, sustained injury and was left visibly upset and shaken by the attack.

Despite efforts made by parents and security staff, the assailant was not found.

Police are appealing for the man in question to come forward and also ask for anyone with information about the attack to get in touch.

PC Ryan Ogden, from Knutsford Police Station, said: “I am keen to identify and speak with the man on the crutches. This appears to be a nasty, unprovoked assault on a young child.

“I would appeal to the person in question to come forward so we can resolve this matter sooner rather than later.

“I would also ask that anyone with any knowledge of information about this incident to the identity of the person to contact Cheshire Police.”

The offender is described as white, 5ft10, and between the age of 18 and 20.

He was wearing a light grey top and was at the time on crutches, having one leg in a cast.

If you have any information about this incident, call the police on 101, quoting incident number 32 or 10/18/2014.