Ten youths have been arrested following an attack on a 13-year-old girl in Southport last week

Officers from the Southport Neighbourhood Team arrested the suspects following a report that the girl was attacked on Eastbank Street at around 6.35pm on Sunday 3 April.

The victim was punched and kicked and had her hair pulled out, sustaining facial injuries. She was taken to hospital and later discharged.

The 10 youths were arrested yesterday (Thursday 7 April) on suspicion of violent disorder. The suspects are seven females and three males are aged between 11 years and 16 years from Waterloo, Seaforth, Crosby, Birkdale and Southport.

They have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Sefton Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Tracie Trubshaw said “This incident was a brutal and shocking assault, and the consequences could have been much worse for the victim.

“My officers have acted swiftly in identifying those suspected of being present which demonstrates our commitment to tackling serious and violent crime.

“I would urge parents to speak to their children that this type of behaviour is unacceptable. Please be aware of who they are friends with, where they go and what they are up to.

“If you have concerns, contact us so that we can engage with families at an early stage to prevent children from getting involved in incidents like this.

“Violence against women and girls will not be tolerated, and I urge anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward, we cannot allow this type of behaviour to continue to happen on our streets.”

Anyone who was in the vicinity at the time of the assault or drivers who have captured dashcam footage are asked to contact police.

If you have any information on this incident please contact our social media desk on Twitter Merseyside Police Contact Centre or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with any information, with reference 22000229458.

For women who have felt or feel unsafe in public spaces the Home Office has set up a pilot service (StreetSafe | https://orlo.uk/nCKOf (https://orlo.uk/vzNXR) for anyone to anonymously report public places where they have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, eg street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, eg being followed or verbally abused.

Please note: 'StreetSafe' is not for reporting crime or incidents.

If something has happened to you or someone you know (including in public spaces online) you can call us on 101 or find out what online reporting services are available at StreetSafe | https://orlo.uk/zUqDe (https://orlo.uk/9X5kv)