Bristol: Paddle attack on boy now classed as racially motivated

An attack on a boy who was struck with an oar is now being treated as a racially motivated assault.

Police officers were called to Bristol's Conham River Park on 26 March after a woman pushed Antwon, 12, during a dispute and hit him with the paddle.

According to police she said she acted in self-defence and his family was told no further action would be taken.

But the force said after reviewing the case and meeting Antwon's family, it now wanted to hear from witnesses.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said the initial decision to take no action was "based on evidence gathered at the time".

"A review was immediately launched after senior officers became aware of the decision to close this case with no further action being taken, following public concern," it added.

On Monday, the force's Bristol commander, Supt Mark Runacres, along with Ch Insp Mike Buck and a community leader, met Antwon and his father Tyran to apologise for the family initially being informed by letter that no action would be taken.

Ch Insp Buck added: "We're extremely grateful to the boy's father for agreeing to meet us and we had a constructive conversation in which we answered his questions and give him assurances about this review and what it means.

"We have complete empathy with his family and listened carefully to what he had to say. We gave him a full commitment to carrying out a comprehensive and thorough review and to keep him updated about its progress.

"We've re-classified this incident as being racially motivated and we have a detective sergeant leading the review, with oversight from a senior officer."

Warning: Graphic image below

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees and deputy mayor Asher Craig said in a statement they had spoken with the Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police Sarah Crew and Ch Supt Peter Warren.

"We shared with them our concern for the victim's welfare, the decision and the way it was made," they said.

"We must have a full understanding of what happened to this young man, why and justice - whatever that is in this instance - must be done."

Tyran said it was important his son "saw justice" for what had happened.

"An adult should not be going for kids like that," he added.

Antwon, who is from Bristol, had been at a birthday gathering in the park and some children in his group were reportedly throwing mud at boats in the water when the woman confronted them.

During an altercation, she then struck Antwon with a paddle.

Tyran said when he approached the woman she was apologetic and told him she had called the police herself after "seeing red".

She was arrested at the scene, but later de-arrested, Avon and Somerset Police said.

The force has made contact with the woman involved and has updated her on the action it will be taking.

"We have set ourselves a target of two weeks to look at the information that we have, but it might take longer depending on the outcome of the first initial review," Ch Insp Buck added.

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