Teen attack victim 'too traumatised for school'

A dad, whose daughter was attacked by a group of young people at Cabot Circus leaving her in need of hospital treatment, says the incident has left her so traumatised, she has not attended school since.

The assault, which was filmed and has been described as "sickening" by Avon and Somerset Police, is thought to be linked to a recent "school wars" trend on social media.

Five teenagers who were arrested in connection with the incident, which happened on Wednesday 4 March, have been released on bail.

The girl's dad, who we are calling Phil to protect the identity of the family, told the BBC she feels "let down" that witnesses did not intervene.

"She was seen walking around Cabot with, you know, 25 people following her," Phil said.

"For 25 minutes, they were following her...Nobody wanted to help. Nobody wanted to say, are you safe?"

A video of the attack has circulated widely on social media, and it is thought to be linked to a recent trend, which encouraged pupils to fight each other.

The girl eventually found safety, according to Phil, when a group of students took her into their flat.

"I have three or four days off at home because we would encourage her to just speak, speak a bit, which she hasn't," he said.

"I had a couple of days where I've gone to work and sat in my van. I couldn't even work, I couldn't get out.

"The video plays in my head."

Phil described how his daughter was initially approached at a bus stop and prevented from getting on a service by the group, before seeking refuge in a Zara store. Having failed to find help there she went back outside, which is when she was attacked.

"I just feel like she was failed, I really do," he said.

Avon and Somerset Police said: "A 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl have been arrested on suspicion of affray, while three others - a 14-year-old girl, a 13-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl - were arrested on suspicion of various offences including affray, racially aggravated fear of violence and grievous bodily harm with intent.

A spokesperson for Cabot Circus described the incident as "awful".

"We are aware of short period of time when the victim entered Cabot Circus and visited one of the shops," they said.

"There was no interaction with our security team during this time.

"We have fully supported the police with their enquiries which has already led to actions being taken. We take all such matters extremely seriously, with public safety a priority."

A spokesperson for Zara said their thoughts are with the victim and they are assisting the police.

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