Police patrols increased at Wakefield Thornes Park after man is assaulted

The man was left seriously injured after an unprovoked assault by a gang of youngsters Thornes Park on February 17.

Since then Coun Michael Graham said there have been increased patrols from the Local Neighbourgood Police Team

He said: "There are a number of mounted officers out in the park assisting with patrols and engaging with people where possible

"Local councillors are working with West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Councilto make sure Thornes Park remains a safe place to visit.

There will be an online meeting on Tuesday, March 16 at 7pm with the police and councillors.

Local residents in the Thornes area are invited to discuss any local issues in the community.

If you would like to join the meeting, please send an email (no later than 5pm on 15/03/21) expressing your interest to [email protected]

Please ensure that your email subject is ‘Thornes PACT meeting’.

The link and joining instructions will be emailed to you on the day of the meeting.

The assault took place between 5.15pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday, February 17, after the 30-year-old victim and his partner came across a group of four males on bicycles while walking in Thornes Park.

As they passed, one of the group shouted at the victim who continued by them on his walk.

A few second afterwards he was assaulted from behind and to the side by two of the males, and sustained a serious facial injury which required hospital treatment and surgery.

The males made off from the scene.

One suspect was described as white, aged 12-13, slim build and wearing a black baseball cap, dark jogging bottoms and a black scarf. He was riding a black pedal cycle.

Another was white, aged 12-13 and slim with long dirty blonde hair, wearing dark-coloured jogging bottoms and a baseball cap.

A third male was again white, male aged 12-13 years old, chubby and shorter than the rest of the group wearing a light blue baseball cap and grey joggers.

The final male was described as aged 12-13 years-old and slim.

Anyone who saw them in the park just before or after the assault or who can assist police enquiries is asked to contact Wakefield District CID on 101 referencing crime number 13210083423 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.