Man Attacked After Helping Girl In Southampton

A 45-year-old Southampton man has been left with a broken rib and cuts and bruises to his face and hands after he tried to assist a girl being harassed by a group of teenagers.

The man was walking home from work across the wooded area of Aldermoor Park off Aldermoor Road at about 5pm on Wednesday, June 30, when he saw what looked like a girl being hassled by a group of around 9 youths aged in their mid to late teens.
 
He approached her and asked her if she was alright. The youths surrounded him and kicked and punched him to the ground before running off.
 
He managed to stagger away and raise the alarm. He was treated in hospital for his injuries.
 
Officers are appealing for any witnesses or the girl he went to the assistance of, to get in contact with them as they may be important witnesses. They’d also like to speak to a youth who dropped off the victim’s rucksack at his home. It had been left behind in the park after he was attacked. It’s believed the youth may also have important information.
 
They are asked to call Shirley CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.