A 22-year-old man was assaulted in a ‘vicious and unprovoked’ attack at a park in Luton at the weekend.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward following the incident in Lewsey Park on Saturday between 7pm and 7.15pm.
The victim had parked his black Corsa and was waiting for a friend when he began a conversation with two girls who were standing close by.
The girls noticed a group of boys approaching who they described as ‘annoying’ and chose to leave the area.
The group of boys, described as three black men, between 20 and 25 years old, continued to approach the victim, and for unknown reasons assaulted him.
One of the offenders is described as 6’ tall with an athletic build and tattoos on his arms and neck.
He had short black hair and wore a black t-shirt, green combat trousers and carried a square zip up bag.
Another offender is described as having an athletic build with short black hair and wore a light blue tshirt, black jeans and black training shoes.
The third offender is described as wearing a maroon t-shirt.
The officer in charge of this investigation, PC Deborah Mayes, is keen to trace the girls who were speaking with the victim shortly before the assault or anyone who saw the incident.
PC Mayes said: “This appears to be a vicious and unprovoked assault on this young man who managed to escape from the offenders by running to a nearby house for help. He has attended hospital for treatment to cuts and bruising but is clearly shocked by what happened to him.
“The girls who were speaking with the victim may be able to help identify those responsible for this assault and I would reassure them that they can speak with officers, in complete confidence.
“The young man’s car was also extensively damaged at the scene and I would extend my appeal to anyone who saw the black Corsa being damaged.
“This damage would have caused a lot of noise in the area and we know there were people out in the park enjoying the summer evening, so I would make a direct appeal to those people to come forward and tell officers what they saw.”
Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact PC Mayes at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394494, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.