Blackpool prom assault - 16 year old arrested

Online video showing a man appearing to be assaulted on the promenade results in an arrest being made.

A 16 year old boy has been arrested in relation to an alleged assault following video footage circulated on social media. A statement by Blackpool police reads:

"Many of you will be aware of some truly shocking footage which has been circulating on social media which shows a man being assaulted and robbed on Blackpool Prom and we wanted to give you an update on what we have done about it.

"We were called early yesterday morning by a member of the public who had seen a man who appeared to have been badly assaulted and had his bag stolen near to the RNLI.

"Officers attended and took the man, aged in his 40s, for medical treatment. His injuries included several broken bones and serious cuts and bruises. Thankfully these injuries are not life threatening.

"Police quickly identified a suspect, and a 16-year-old boy was arrested at an address in the resort a short time later.

"A 16-year-old boy from Blackpool has now been charged with robbery and is due to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court later today (Thursday, September 1st)"

Det Supt Becky Smith, of Blackpool Police, said: “The level of violence displayed by this suspect against a completely defenceless man who is sat down minding his own business is quite frankly extremely disturbing and inexcusable. The fact that an accomplice sees fit to stand nearby watching and actually filming this despicable incident, making no attempt to stop it or offer any assistance to the male who is clearly seriously injured, makes this crime even worse.

“In almost 29 years of policing in Blackpool I have witnessed some significantly traumatic and distressing incidents and we are extremely fortunate that I am not standing here today leading a murder enquiry and providing support to a bereaved family. The fact that this isn’t the case has no bearing on the actions of the suspect who left the victim seriously injured with no regard to the condition he had been left in.

“Anyone who thinks this level of violence is acceptable is wrong and we simply will not tolerate it in our communities. We join the police to ensure that those responsible for the most serious offences against our communities are identified and brought to justice and I will ensure that is the case.

“I would like to thank those who have contacted us with information and would urge anyone who has further information or witnessed this incident to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting log 0200 of August 31st

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.