Town thugs on rampage

A mob of up to 30 youths went on a violent rampage through Hednesford, hours after the town switched on its Christmas lights.

Shoppers and staff were left terrified and trapped inside the B&M store as the youths carried out a vicious attack on a teenager outside the shop's main entrance last night. The violence erupted as the store was closing at 8.30.

The shop, in Market Street, was one of a number of outlets taking part in the late-night opening.

Shoppers watched as the teenagers assaulted the victim knocking him to the ground and kicking him. He was dragged into the shop doorway where workers closed the doors to keep the thugs out.

The gang vented their anger by kicking and banging on the glass. Dozens of police flooded into the town moments later but the group had already scattered.

Two young children visiting the town with their mother were left crying and shaken by the incident before staff escorted them safely to their car outside.

The teenage victim was left with head and facial injuries.

Eyewitness, Katie Dale, aged 24, from Hednesford, said: "It was unbelievable. They appeared out of nowhere and they filled the whole street outside the shop, it was very intimidating. A lot of them seemed drunK. I had come with my partner to enjoy the Christmas lights and visit shops. What happened ruined it for us."

Insp Alison Dando, of Staffordshire Police, said: "There was a large group, we believe of rival gangs, but no weapons were used. We received reports that an 18-year-old man had been kicked and stamped on and that a girl had been pulled to the floor.

"The injured man had head and facial injuries did not wish to make a complaint."