Update – Four people arrested following Runcorn assault

Detectives investigating a serious assault in Runcorn have now arrested four people in connection with the incident.

At around 9.50pm on Saturday 14 May, a 20-year-old woman was walking on Southway with two friends.

As the trio approached the entrance to Trident retail park, at the junction with West Lane, she was attacked by a group of unknown youths – both males and females.

Following the attack the offenders fled the scene.

The victim sustained serious facial injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, she is now recovering at home.

Enquiries in relation to the incident have been ongoing and officers have now arrested four local youths in connection with the incident. 

The four youths - a 12-year-old boy, 13-year-old girl, a 13-year-boy and a 14-year-old boy - have all been arrested on suspicion of section 18 - grievous bodily harm with intent. 

Two of them have been released on conditional bail, while two remain in custody where they are assisting officers with their enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Clare Coleman, of the Northern Crime Unit said: “This was a totally unprovoked attack and I want to reassure residents that we are committed to doing all we to ensure the people responsible are held accountable for their actions.

“Four youths have already been arrested in relation to the incident and our enquiries remain ongoing. 

“As part of our investigation we are continuing to appeal for information and video footage and would urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to come forward.

“We would specifically like to hear from the driver of a Ford car, possibly a Focus. He was parked by the zebra crossing at the location of the attack and is seen to approach the youths at one point – he is a key witness and we hope he will assist the enquiry.

“I’d urge anyone with any information – no matter how small – to contact the team at Runcorn.”

Anyone with information or footage that may help investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Constabulary via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/ or call 101, quoting IML 1268970.

Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.