Appeal for information as officers investigate assault in Rochdale park

Officers are continuing to investigate reports of an assault in Denehurst Park, Rochdale, on Friday 21 July 2023.

At around 12.45pm, a 12-year-old boy was reported to have been assaulted by a group of youths in the park. He was kicked and punched during the incident, sustaining minor injuries.

Officers are conducting extensive enquiries to identify those responsible, and have been liaising closely with schools and partner agencies in the community to help progress the investigation.

PC Connel Cunningham, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “We are aware of the incident in Denehurst Park and we are aware of footage of the incident circulating online. We are currently still working on an exact picture of what has happened. This was a very shocking assault by a group, in what must have been an incredibly frightening situation to be in.

"This is clearly something which is concerning for the community, but I want to reassure residents that we are working hard to investigate, utilising the appropriate resources.

“We remain in contact with the young man and his family in this case, and we will continue to update them with any developments.”

Anyone with any information – or mobile, doorbell, dashcam, or CCTV footage of the incident – is asked to contact officers.

This can be done by calling 101, quoting log number 1484 of 21/7/23.

Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.