A TENTH arrest has been made in connection with a sickening gang attack in Sherdley Park that has left a 17-year-old youth fighting for his life in hospital.

The latest suspect to be arrested was a 16-year-old girl, who has since been released on police bail.

The attack happened last Thursday evening, May 22

The victim is in a critical condition and has undergone surgery after sustaining serious head injuries during a brutal beating, described by police "as vicious and dreadful".

He was among a group of friends from Widnes who were flying a model helicopter in the park when they were set upon by a mob near to the Pets Corner area of Sherdley Park, between 7.30pm and 8pm last Thursday (May 22).

Paramedics then rushed the victim - who is from Widnes - to Whiston Hospital. He was later transferred to a specialist unit in Walton, Liverpool.

A major inquiry being run from St Helens police station has so far seen ten arrests locally over the violence which also resulted in another boy from Widnes suffering facial injuries and three others being hurt.

Six boys and three girls were questioned on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent before being bailed.

The boys, three aged 16 and three 17, have been bailed along with three 16-year-old girls. A 15-year-old girl arrested in connection with violent disorder has also been bailed.

Merseyside Police have interviewed a number of witnesses, with appeals for information having been run on www.sthelensstar over the weekend.

It is not clear how many youngsters were actually in the park at that time, however, police say it was very busy with a "large group of girls and boys there both prior to the incident and at around the time of the assault".

In a statement Superintendent Peter Edge, from the police in St Helens, said: "This was a cowardly and unprovoked attack, which has left a young man fighting for his life.

"No misguided loyalty to those responsible can outweigh the duty of those with relevant information to come forward.

"We will find those responsible, and we will use all investigative techniques at our disposal to ensure they are held to account."

Police have not disclosed whether they suspect the assault was fuelled by underage boozing.

The brutal crime came before a weekend of violence nationally, which saw a youth beaten to death in a park at Dewsbury, Yorkshire, and an 18-year-old murdered in south-east London.

Superintendent Edge said: "It appears that the offenders may have been with a larger group of people. It may be that some individuals in that group may not have been a part of this dreadful act.

"I would urge those people to do the right thing and tell us what they know. We are determined to find those responsible and local people should be reassured that we are carrying out extensive enquiries."

Police add that witnesses will be treated in strictest confidence and have the full support of the criminal justice system.

Courts can impose a life sentence on anyone who is convicted of GBH with intent.

  • Anyone who was in Sherdley Park between 7.30pm and 8.30pm who may have information is asked to call St Helens CID on 0151 777 1577 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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