Appeal After Two Attacks In Same Park

18 May 2011, 08:36 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Detectives in Portsmouth are appealing for witnesses after two reports of crimes at the same park on the same evening.

Police were called shortly after 8.30pm on Saturday, May 14, 2011 to a report of a fight involving a number of men in the centre of Kingston Park off St. Mary’s Road.

It’s alleged one of the men was carrying a knife but no injuries were reported.

The man carrying the knife was described as black skinned, wearing a black coat and white shoes.

Police were called again to the Kingston Park area at 10.50pm on the same night (Saturday, May 14, 2011) to a report of an unprovoked assault on a man.

The 22-year-old victim was jogging in the park near the Byerley Road entrance when he was approached by three men.

It’s alleged they verbally abused him before knocking him to the ground and stabbing him in his left leg with some kind of small bladed object, which is yet to be identified.

The three men ran away from the scene towards Byerley Road. The jogger was left next to a park bench with injuries to his face and left leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment. The injuries were not described as life-threatening.

The three suspects were described as white. One was wearing a black top; the other two were wearing grey tops.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Pete Bambury, said:  “This was a nasty, unprovoked attack on a man jogging through Kingston Park. The victim is clearly upset and shaken by what happened and he’s fortunate his injuries were not life threatening.

“These types of assaults are very rare in my experience but we have increased patrols in the area of the park to provide reassurance to the local community.

“People would have to climb a fence to get into the park because it’s usually locked at night. I’m keen to hear from anyone who may have seen three men climbing over park fences or running into Byerley Road after the assault at around 11pm on Saturday (May 14).

“I'm aware that some local teenagers meet at the park regularly. They could be crucial witnesses if they know anything that may help.

“We believe the earlier report of a fight in Kingston Park is linked to the assault that took place later the same evening (May 14). The park would have been open at around 8.30pm with families, dog walkers, cyclists and other joggers using the area frequently. Anyone who remembers seeing a fight is asked to call police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Portsmouth CID at Fratton Police Station by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and Isle of Wight, please phone 0845 045 45 45. Mini-com users can call 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.