A teenage boy was reportedly punched “several times” by another teen outside at Home Bargains store in Devon. Police are investigating the attack which occurred close to Kingsteignton Retail Park, near Newton Abbot, on Tuesday afternoon (January 14).
Details of the incident were shared on the Facebook page, Spotted Newton Abbot, by one of the victim’s parents, who posted: “Today at around 4pm our son got surrounded by a group of teens and punched several times in the face outside Costa’s window, near Home bargains in Kingsteignton.
“Our son was unable to defend himself as he currently has his arm in a sling. He thought he may have seen someone sat at the tables inside recording it. My husband immediately ran down to meet him. No-one helped him, and Costa didn’t see anything either.”
Today, a police spokesperson confirmed enquiries are ongoing into the incident, and said: “Police have been notified following reports of an assault near to Kingsteignton Retail Park at around 4.10pm on Tuesday 14 January. It was reported a teenage boy was punched by another teenage boy.
“Enquiries are ongoing. Anybody who witnessed the incident or who has information is asked to contact police on 101, or via our website, quoting 50250010621.”
Others in the Spotted Newton Abbot Facebook group rushed to express their outrage about the assault, with one commenting: “Outrageous that no-one stepped in to help. Hope he’s OK and the youngsters are brought to justice.”
Another posted: “Such a shame no-one stepped in. Just bullies which I have no time for. Really hope he’s ok.” And a third simply wrote: “Awful! Poor lad. I really hope someone comes forward.”