A violent gang assault unfolded at a skatepark in Gloucester when a group of masked youth attacked a man with batons and a barbecue fork before stealing his e-bike, police reported.
The incident occurred near Parton Road in the Churchdown area, where officers were alerted to a distressing scene involving around six to seven young males. Witnesses described the attackers wearing balaclavas and armed primarily with batons, which they used to strike the victim repeatedly.
Disturbingly, one of the males wielded a large barbecue fork and attempted to stab the victim during the assault. The violence escalated further as multiple gang members, riding e-bikes themselves, reportedly “rode over” the victim while he was on the ground.
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Amid the chaos, one attacker seized the victim’s e-bike and fled the scene in the direction of Staverton Flying School.
Emergency services rushed the injured man to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and a concussion.
In an immediate response, police, supported by the National Police Air Service (NPAS), conducted a search in the area. They apprehended a 17-year-old from Cheltenham, found riding an e-bike matching the description of the stolen vehicle, after a pursuit on Edendale Road. He was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm but later released on conditional bail as investigations continue.
The victim has since been discharged from the hospital, and his e-bike was returned.
Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage to identify the remaining suspects involved in this brazen attack. Police have appealed to the public for any information to aid their ongoing inquiries.
Gloucestershire Police stated, “A teenage boy has been arrested following an assault and robbery at Churchdown Skatepark on the evening of 31 May. We urge anyone with information about this incident to contact us.”
Members of the public with relevant information can assist police by submitting details online, quoting occurrence number 53260041643.