Carnival terror for girls

A TEENAGE girl was assaulted and robbed by a gang of youths in broad daylight as she enjoyed Oldham Carnival.

The victim and her friend — both 15 — were in Alexandra Park on Sunday at 6pm when they were approached by a gang of 15 older teenagers.

One of them asked the girls for a cigarette and became aggressive when she said she didn’t have one.

Gang members began to make sexual suggestions towards the girls and said they would strip them unless they handed over a cigarette.

Abusive

As one girl got her phone out to call for help, the gang threw tree bark into her eyes before one slapped her across the face and ran off with her mobile.

One of the gang stayed behind and said he would get the mobile phone back if the girls performed a sex act on him.

The father of the girl whose phone was stolen has since received anonymous abusive calls about his daughter.

The parent of one of the girls said: “It is absolutely shocking what happened in broad daylight in a park at an event where there were loads of people.

“I think these lads think they’re invincible and are not scared of doing something like this in such a busy place. I think people can be scared sometimes to report these incidents but I felt I had to make a stand and do my bit to get them caught so they can’t do it again.

“They are two sensible girls who have been brought up well and they were just trying to enjoy the carnival. They were not dressed provocatively and didn’t encourage the lads’ behaviour.

“When it happened, the girls couldn’t even ring their parents for help because the phone had gone so they were just wandering round trying to find a phone.

“They eventually got on a bus and came home by which time we were all frantic with worry.

“I am quite a protective person but you can’t keep your children wrapped up in cotton wool all the time and I thought the carnival would be a safe place.”

Gang members are described as Asian males aged 16-20.

The one who stole the phone had a heavy build and was wearing a wet-look jacket and dark jeans.

The one who stayed behind when the others fled was wearing a red checked shirt.

Police have logged the incident as a theft from person and are investigating. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.