Man arrested after pupil assaulted outside school

A man was arrested after a pupil was assaulted outside a school.

The child was walking to Robin Hood Primary School in Bestwood with two other pupils when a man on a bicycle struck her with his hand as he rode past on a footpath off Lechlade Road.

The unprovoked incident happened shortly before 8.30am on Friday (7 March) and the police were called after the pupils reported it to school staff.

Following inquiries, a suspect was arrested later that morning on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The 38-year-old was interviewed and later bailed with conditions whilst the investigation continues.

Inspector Paul Ferguson, of the City North neighbourhood policing team, said:

“This was an unprovoked assault and I am pleased a suspect was tracked down and detained just two hours after the incident.

“Since it happened, we have liaised closely with the school and the young victim’s family to ensure she receives all the support she needs, while ensuring all evidential opportunities are pursued.

“We treat reports of this nature extremely seriously and we will always do everything we can to identify offenders and ensure they face justice.”