This Is Guernsey

By Tom Edwards

POLICE are searching for a gang who attacked a man with a motorbike helmet. The victim, 45, suffered facial injuries and bruised ribs after being assaulted at Mont Morin, St Sampson’s, on Friday night.

He had asked the group to stop letting off fireworks in nearby Delancey Park at about 8.15pm.

There was more trouble at the park on Saturday when a man and a woman were taken to hospital at about 11.30pm after being attacked with pepper spray, but no more details are available.

Chief Inspector Ruari Hardy said many people must know who was responsible for the helmet attack and that they should come forward.

‘We need the public’s help,’ he said. ‘This was an extremely violent assault.’

He urged anyone with information on either incident to contact police direct on 725111 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The firework gang ran away when another neighbour approached and their victim was taken to hospital.

Mont Morin resident Cath Wilson was shocked to hear of the violence on her doorstep.

‘There is CCTV in Town and on the Bridge and it would be useful to have the same here,’ she said.

‘We have a real problem with youngsters getting drunk and vandalising people’s property.’

Another neighbour who would give her name only as Tracy, 20, was annoyed by the quantity of rubbish the youths left in the area.

‘When I was their age, I never behaved like that,’ she said.

‘I used to go the park with my friends, but we didn’t smash things, abuse people or beat anybody up.’

St Sampson’s deputy Ivan Rihoy wanted a greater police presence in the area to cope with the escalating problems.

‘Delancey Park is a marvellous recreational facility and to see it being abused is very upsetting,’ he said.

‘It’s very sad to think that we have to start thinking about measures like CCTV, but more vigilance is what’s needed.

‘It’s the worst weekend that I can remember for a long time.’

St Sampson’s senior constable Peter Gillson called for the return of a community police officer to the area.

‘Families should be free to enjoy the park without fear,’ he said.

CI Hardy said that Delancey was just one of several areas where there were problems with young people’s antisocial behaviour.

‘When the public see groups of youths congregating, please contact us if they are causing problems,’ he said.