Majority of Worthing instructs crackdown on youth crime after Alan Wilson assaulted

Alan Wilson was badly injured after trying to protect his 11-year old son from being bullied by the gang of teenage boys.

(Cc) Eddie Mitchell

Over 4,600 people have signed a petition commanding a crackdown on #Worthing youth #crime after Alan was brutally assaulted in a Worthing park.

Alan Wilson remains in #Brighton's #Royal #Sussex #County #Hospital in a critical condition after being badly assaulted in the attack. #AlanWilson #Justice4Alan #Justice #WestSussex

The unprovoked assault has angered, and shook Worthing. A petition demanding that #Sussex #Police do more to stop youth crime has reached over 4, 000 signatures.

“This petition is being run in the hope that we, the people of Worthing and Sussex can make a change."

“Enough is enough. The intimidation, the humiliation, the physical and mental pain from such violence will remain.”

Responding to the petition, Worthing’s district commander, Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbetter, said: "police were aware of concerns around youth crime in the area and were committed to tackling the issue. Over the past couple of years we have made a number of arrests to disrupt criminal and anti-social behaviour involving a small group of young people in the area. These arrests have often resulted in successful convictions. We have also worked closely with partner agencies in an effort to engage with those responsible, and when they are under 18, their parents or carers. We will continue to respond to these issues, and encourage people to report incidents to us. Reports of crime can be made to police online or by calling 101 – always dial 999 in an emergency. Officers regularly carry out patrols in the area as part of their day-to-day activity, and these have been increased following the assault in Longcroft Park on Sunday, April 4. CCTV in public places such as parks is a joint venture with local partner agencies, including the local council, and is a multi-agency decision. In August last year, police convicted a gang of seven teenagers from Worthing and Lancing for 32 offences over the previous 14 months."

People can donate for the fundraiser created for Alan Wilson by clicking this link https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cheryl-edwards.

The petition created can be accessed by clicking here https://www.change.org/p/sussex-police-sussex-pcc-to-take-affirmative-action-on-youth-crime-in-worthing-west-sussex?use_react=false.