Police issue update after man, 72, injured in 'racially aggravated attack' in Willenhall
Seven teenagers who were arrested over a ‘racist attack’ in Willenhall have been bailed.
Seven teenage boys who were arrested after a 72-year-old man was attacked at Willenhall Memorial Park in Walsall have been bailed.
The victim sustained injuries to his face and arm and was taken to hospital for treatment, and has since been discharged.
The incident happened at around 6pm on Sunday 24 May.
West Midlands Police previously said that they are treating this assault as racially aggravated, and are continuing at pace to review CCTV footage and speak to witnesses.
In an update the force said that the seven teenagers, aged between 16 and 18 years old, who were arrested have been bailed pending further enquiries.
The force said in a statement: “We are continuing our investigation into an assault in Willenhall Memorial Park on Sunday, 24 May.
“Seven teenagers, aged between 16 and 18 years old, have been bailed pending further enquiries.
“Officers have increased their patrols in the area and are meeting with key members in the community to reassure them and listen to their concerns.
“Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call 101 quoting 20/260864/26.”
Superintendent Gareth Mason previously said: “We understand the seriousness of this incident and the concern it has caused in the community.
“Any form of hate crime will not be tolerated, and we take every report extremely seriously.
“Detectives are keeping the victim and his family informed and are supporting them through our investigation.
“Our neighbourhood officers have increased their patrols in the area and are meeting with key members in the community and local partners to reassure them and listen to their concerns.
“As part of our enquiries we would like to appeal to the public for any further information about the incident. If you were in the memorial park around the time of incident and haven’t yet spoken to us, then we urge you to come forward.”