A mother has spoken out in condemnation of bystanders’ inaction as a group of youths assaulted her daughter at Cabot Circus, Bristol. The victim, a girl in her mid-teens, was attacked while walking to a bus stop after school on Wednesday evening.
The mother, who asked to be identified only as Stacey to protect her family, described how her daughter was followed by a group of boys and girls, believed to be between 12 and 18 years old. Avon and Somerset Police have arrested three teenagers in connection with the attack.
According to Stacey, her daughter sought refuge inside the Zara store, but the group followed and surrounded her. Staff at Zara reportedly did not intervene, prompting the girl to leave the shop, where the violent assault then took place. Stacey criticized the lack of response from both store employees and nearby witnesses. “People just stood there and watched,” she said.
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The assault left the girl with bruises, concussion, and marks on her legs. Thankfully, her injuries were not life-threatening. Stacey voiced frustration over what she called “multiple failures” throughout the evening — from the police’s initial response, who delayed calling an ambulance, to the store staff and bystanders who did nothing to stop the attack.
Zara UK issued a statement expressing sympathy and confirmed their cooperation with the police investigation. The police have maintained regular contact with the victim and her family, providing safeguarding support.
In light of the incident, Stacey has withdrawn her children from school due to safety concerns, though she praised her daughter’s school for strengthening safeguarding measures.
Chief Inspector Keith Smith called the attack “sickening” and emphasized the seriousness with which the police are treating the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This distressing event highlights concerns about public safety, the responsibility of bystanders, and the need for stronger safeguarding in public spaces.