‘It’s disgusting’ says town hall crime chief

A group of teenagers took videos as a gang of young thugs beat two 13-year-old girls into hospital.

During the savage attack, outside Crouch Hall Court, Hanley Road, Crouch Hill, on Friday at about 4.30pm, the mob stamped on the girls’ heads after punching and kicking them.

The ‘horrific’ assault, by a 20-strong group of 13 to 17-year-olds of both sexes, left the young girls with serious skull, spine and face injuries.

Five girls and three boys have been arrested on suspicion of assault, and have been bailed until the middle of May.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council’s executive member for community safety, said: “They were badly injured.

“One really horrible aspect of this is the crowd of witnesses, who just stood and watched.

“Some of them were even filming it on smart phones.

“The police were called, and they turned up quickly but no one tried to step in. Its disgusting.”

Cllr Convery said he thought its was “more complicated” than a random gang attack.

The two girls have been discharged from hospital.

The investigating officer in the case, Trainee Det Con Lucy McAuley, said: “This was a horrific attack on two young girls. Police would like to hear from anyone that was in the area at the time that may be able to help with inquiries.

“We are particularly interested in speaking to the passengers of a Route 210 bus that took the victims to hospital, as well as a passing car driver that tried to stop the assault.

“Local residents in Hanley Road and Crouch Hall Court are also urged to contact police if they have any information about the assault.”

The two girls have been discharged from hospital.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trainee Det Con McAuley from Islington CID on 020 7421 0262 or via 101, quoting reference 2708754/15, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.