A terrifying youth craze known as "happy slapping" has reared its ugly head in Colchester.
A 15-year-old boy was slapped hard across the face as a gang passed him in the street last night.
A member of the group then shouted: "Let's happy-slap him!"
The trend of beating someone up and filming or taking pictures of it with mobile phone technology is growing among young people across the country.
Det Sgt Mike Sheeran, of Colchester CID, said the form of assault will not be tolerated and officers will come down hard on those caught.
He said: "We would appeal to the community that this is not appropriate behaviour. It causes serious injury and offenders will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
"At the end of the day, it's not a game, you're assaulting people."
He added: "It can have very serious consequences both for the victim and any person found committing this type of offence.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, June 21, 2005
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