Colchester Castle Park ranger punched and kicked by 'gang of youths' while closing up beauty spot

The ranger was closing the gate at Castle Park when he was violently assaulted by the group.

He was punched and kicked several times before the gang ran off.

Essex Police have launched an investigation into the incident and anyone who witnessed the attack is being encouraged to come forward.

The victim, 36, was not wearing a body camera but Paul Smith, Colchester Council leader, confirmed “a number” of the gang have been identified and their descriptions have been passed to the police.

The Liberal Democrat said: “This is not something we will tolerate and we have taken the matter up at a very high level with the police to ensure the incident is fully investigated and the perpetrators are brought to justice and dealt with.

“This was an unprovoked attack and I know that will alarm some people given where it took place but what I will say is we have been able to identify some of the perpetrators.”

Mr Smith added: “I was disgusted that a group of individuals have attacked a council employee in this manner and it is unacceptable that this has happened.”

The council boss also said he was “disappointed” with the initial response from Essex Police despite the serious nature of the assault, which took place at about 8pm on Monday, April 10.

Disgusted - council leader Paul Smith

He added: “The police did not attend the incident and I know there were a number of calls made to them at the time.

“We are determined that the police pursue the matter and I would hope the perpetrators are dealt with harshly by the courts.

“Nobody should have to face this sort of behaviour while at their work.”

Mr Smith added: “The ranger in this case was not wearing a body cam but we have now equipped some of the rangers with cameras when they are closing the park.

“We are also taking additional security measures to ensure there will be no repetition of this.”

The ranger has been contacted by council bosses, who have offered their support.

He returned to work the day after the assault.

Darius Laws, borough councillor Castle ward, said the attack was the “culmination” of a rise in anti-social behaviour in the Dutch Quarter.

The Conservative said: “There has been an issue here for some time which I now know the police are taking seriously.”

Ward councillor - Darius Laws

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “While closing the gates to Castle Park, on the evening of Monday, 10 April, one of our park rangers was physically assaulted by a gang of youths.

"The ranger declined hospital treatment and was able to return to work the next day.

"The police have since been notified and an incident statement provided.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Police received reports about an assault in Castle Park, Colchester, at around 8.10pm on Monday, April 10.

"A 36-year-old man, from Brantham, reported that he was approached by a group of teenagers and then punched, kicked and had a drink thrown over him.

"During the call, the victim initially declined to give his details and said the suspects had left the scene. He did not require hospital treatment.

"Officers could not attend as they were covering other emergencies but spoke to the victim later that day. Enquiries are going."

Anyone with information in the incident should contact Colchester police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.