A DISTRAUGHT aunt has called on the police and park rangers to crack down on yobs threatening and attacking residents in Maldon’s Promenade Park.

Catherine O’Donovan Farrup, of Heybridge, has demanded action over the “vile hooligans” brandishing weapons in Promenade Park after her nephew was attacked.

The Standard reported in May that parents were concerned with gangs of yobs causing problems and putting children in danger.

Mrs O’Donovan Farrup said her 22-year-old nephew was walking through Promenade Park to see his sister on Saturday night last week when a gang of six yobs who he did not know forced him to the ground and stamped on him.

She said: “The last few months have seen it get so much worse, but it wasn’t until my nephew became a victim when I realised just how serious this is getting.

“Luckily he managed to defend himself, but when getting to his sister’s house she had to take him straight to A&E. He had cuts and marks where they’d slashed and hit him.

“There’s loads of them down in the park every weekend during the night, they’re carrying weapons like knives and knuckledusters.

“He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. He didn’t know any of them. I just worry so much for anyone unaware walking down there and becoming their victim.

“When it’s the young generation and they’re also targeting people and using weapons it is extremely worrying.

Police and park rangers know about them, yet nothing is being done to stop them.

“They could literally target anyone, at the very least people should be aware of the danger.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are aware of concerns in Promenade Park and local officers are supporting Maldon District Council’s Community Protection Team in tackling this behaviour, especially as we move into the busier summer months.”

Richard Holmes, director of customers and community at Maldon District Council, said, “Our Community Protection Team (CPT) have been undertaking additional patrols in the park and we will be working in partnership with the police to take any further action which may be necessary.”

Call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.