Girl Attacked By Group In Park

Five teenagers arrested after 12-year-old girl in Portsmouth.

Police are appealing for witnesses after an unprovoked attack on a girl in the grounds of the Mountbatten Centre near Northern Parade in Portsmouth.

At around 5.35pm on Tuesday 19 February a 12-year-old girl, who had been playing in the park, went to leave on her bicycle as it was getting dark.
 
A group of teenagers had been in the park at the same time. One of them approached the girl and put a stick into her back wheel, causing her to fall from the bike.
 
One of the teenagers then gets onto her bike and cycles off while the rest of the group started to assault the girl as she was on the ground.

The victim sustained cuts and bruising.

The pink mountain bike she was riding has since been recovered by police.
 
Five teenagers were arrested on suspicion of robbery, questioned, and bailed until March 20, 2013 pending further enquiries. The suspects are: Two 17-year-old boys, a 16-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Pete Bambury said: "The robbery took place in a popular area for joggers and dog walkers. It seems the girl was picked on by the group while she was at the playground. Police were in the area at the time, recovered the bike, and made several arrests. I am hoping that someone in the area may have seen what happened."
 
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Pete Bambury at  Fratton Station by phoning 101. Mini-com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111