9:39am Monday 8th February 2010
By Diarmuid MacDonagh
A SCHOOLGIRL was attacked by a gang of teenage girls in broad daylight in a busy town-centre park.
The 15-year-old girl was sitting on a bench in the Borough Gardens in Dorchester chatting with two friends when they were approached by the 10-strong group of youngsters.
Police say the gang, mostly girls but including two young males all aged around 16 to 18, launched a vicious attack on the defenceless girl.
PC Dave Blackman of Dorchester Police said: “It appears that the 15-year-old was the subject of a serious assault and was attacked by the girls in the group.
“She suffered nasty facial injuries which required hospital treatment.”
PC Blackman said that the girl was helped by a man who managed to pull some of the attackers off her.
He added: “I would appeal for this good Samaritan to come forward as he may have vital information to help us with our inquiries.”
The attack happened at 2.35pm on Saturday when there were a lot of people in and around the gardens.
PC Blackman added: “The park was quite busy as it was the middle of the day and there are always quite a few people there.
“We have already spoken to some people but we would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything at all to get in touch with us.
“We don’t know what it was all about yet so it is vital that anyone who saw the attack or noticed this group of teenagers lets us know.
“It is a very rare occurrence in Dorchester and this type of attack is extremely unusual.”
The group, many of whom were wearing hoodies and jeans, were last seen heading towards Bowling Alley Walk.
Lorna Low, secretary of the Friends of the Borough Gardens, said she was shocked to hear of the attack.
She said: “It is extremely popular with families and young people and to my knowledge there has only even been one incident there since it reopened in 2007.
“It is a vary relaxing and safe place and this was obviously a one-off incident. The gardens are a vital amenity in Dorchester and they are extremely well-looked after and loved.”
Yesterday afternoon people were shocked to hear of the attack as they enjoyed a brief spell of late winter sunshine in the borough gardens.
Jack Manson, from Poundbury, said: “It is a little oasis in Dorchester and I have never seen any problems.
“There are a few groups of teenagers who hang around but they are never any trouble and look far more menacing with their hoods than they really are.”
Anne Wakeham was enjoying the play area with her children, Jack, five, and Chloe, aged two.
She said: “It sounds horrible what happened, but I have never seen any trouble here and it is usually full of families enjoying themselves.”
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