Appeal after teenage boy assaulted on Formby beach

We are appealing for information after a report a teenage boy was assaulted on Formby beach on Tuesday (23 July 2019).

It was reported shortly after 4.10pm that a group of around 10 male youths had assaulted another group which included the 16-year-old victim, and some of the offenders allegedly used sticks or bats during the incident.

The boy sustained cuts to the head and has subsequently made a formal complaint of assault.

The offenders, who were reported to have dispersed into the sand dunes before the attendance of police, are described as white males, around 13-15 years old and with long hair. They spoke with Liverpool accents. One wore a red top and a second wore a hi-vis Under Armour top.

Officers made enquiries to locate the offenders at the scene and spoke to potential witnesses. A group of males were spoken to who did not match the description of the offenders. CCTV enquiries in the local area are ongoing.

The victim subsequently attended hospital for assessment and was later discharged.

Detective Inspector Paul Gillies said: “This was a shocking incident and we believe someone out there knows who is responsible.

“This happened on one of the hottest days of the year and there were many people there enjoying the sunshine. Those people should have been able to enjoy their day at the beach without fear of an incident such as this happening.

“We believe members of the public will have seen this group leaving the scene and there may well be people who witnessed the offence itself who have not yet come forward.

“If you recognise the description of the offenders or have any information at all about the incident, do the right thing and help us bring the offenders to justice by contacting police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 19100401147 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.