Autistic 14-Year-Old Stabbed in Head During Park Assault

An autistic 14-year-old boy was subjected to a beating and a stab wound to the head by a group of male and female assailants, who additionally attempted to ignite him. The assault occurred on Tuesday evening at Ladybrook Park in Mansfield. Nottinghamshire Police reported the arrest of two boys, aged 13 and 14, along with a 16-year-old girl, in connection with the event. A fundraising effort initiated to replace the jacket of the victim, identified as Kayden, has garnered over £1,300. Kayden’s mother, Zoey, stated that her son had to surrender his preferred fleece to law enforcement as evidence, prompting her to launch the appeal to acquire a replacement and “put the smile back on Kayden’s face”. She further noted that informing Kayden about the amount of money contributed by donors marked the first instance he had smiled following the assault. Kayden was present at the park situated off Armstrong Road with companions when he received a text message indicating that a group intended to assault him. His mother reported that approximately 15 youths subsequently arrived, knocking him to the ground, stomping on him, inflicting a stab wound to the back of his head, and attempting to ignite him with a lighter and a deodorant spray. Kayden required hospital treatment for his head injury, which necessitated gluing, and he sustained bruising and swelling to his face. His mother described his condition, stating: “His face is a mess, he’s unrecognisable at the moment, he doesn’t look like Kayden.“It’s been hell.” Detective Sergeant Rachel Mayfield, from Nottinghamshire Police, issued a plea for witnesses to assist in identifying “a number” of perpetrators who remain at large. She indicated that the police force considers the incident to be a targeted assault, though reassurance patrols have been implemented in the vicinity. Authorities confirmed that a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old were taken into custody on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. A 16-year-old was also detained, suspected of encouraging or assisting in the commission of the offence and possessing cannabis. Readers can follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Submissions for story ideas can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Further details on our external linking policy are available.