STAR readers have expressed shock and disgust after details emerged of a "nasty" park attack in which a teenage boy was allegedly beaten with bats. 

Detectives this week issued a belated witness appeal to the assault on a 13-year-old in Haresfinch Park which happened on the night of Sunday, February 28.

The victim was assaulted by a group of teenagers, who are believed to have been armed with bats at the park, off Woodlands Road, Haresfinch.

The boy suffered a broken nose and bruising to his head.

The attackers were dressed in dark clothing and had their faces covered, say police. 

The assault happened between 7.45pm and 8pm, when the park would have been in darkness.

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After learning of the shocking incident a number of readers took to the Star's Facebook page to condemn the violence.

Among the comments were messages which read: "What the hell is going on with kids nowadays!

"Isn’t safe to go any where! Hope the little lad is okay."

Another stated: "How awful for the young boy, no wonder a lot of them won't go out on their own.

"What the hell is going on in their minds to commit this kind of violence.

"Need a couple of park keepers like they used to do. Say a couple, used be be just the one, but the way things have gone, not safe to do this job on their own.

"Hope he recovers physically & mentally."

It is believed a number of people were in the park at the time and may have witnessed the assault.

Two teenagers have voluntarily attended for interview in relation to the incident and enquiries remain ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Detective Inspector Leanne Hobin said: “This was a nasty assault on a teenage boy which resulted in him suffering a facial injury.

"It is believed a number of people were in the park at the time and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this assault or has any information to contact us as they may be able to assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555111 quoting reference 21000130690.