A 7-year-old boy was chased through his local park by what was described as a knife-wielding man wearing a ‘Grand Theft Auto mask’ . The video game has been at the helm of controversy before for its extremely violent gameplay, others claim it promotes hardcore drug use and prostitution.
The attack took place in broad daylight, the young boy was chased through a park in New Brighton, police said.
The frightened seven-year-old was assaulted after the masked thug chased him on a mountain bike, once the chase came to an end, he got off his bike and took out a knife before assaulting the seven-year-old, leaving him with a “minor red mark on his arm”.
The thug wore a Mask, described like the one pictured above.
Police said he was among a number of male and female gang members all with the same masks and wearing black clothes with hoods spotted prior to the attack.
The Liverpool Echo reported: Police officers have now urged witnesses to come forward and help find those behind the “shocking incident”
Detective Inspector Mike Dalton said:
This is a shocking incident which has left a seven-year-old child understandably very shaken and upset. Thankfully he was not seriously injured as this could’ve been a lot worse.
I would appeal to anyone in the area of Sandridge Road and Field Road near to the Health Centre who may have seen or heard anything suspicious around 2pm yesterday to please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.
You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 18200153046 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
