A teenage boy was taken to hospital with head lacerations after being assaulted with a bottle inside a McDonald's restaurant in Torquay town centre. A man in his 50s from Birmingham has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody.
Incident on Union Street
Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident happened inside the McDonald's on Union Street at approximately 4.20pm on Friday, October 30. The boy was approached by a man inside the restaurant and allegedly assaulted with a bottle.
The youngster sustained head lacerations and was subsequently taken to Torbay Hospital. His injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-changing.
Arrest and police appeal
Officers are conducting enquiries and urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or holds information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar said: "This was an unprovoked assault on a teenage boy who was treated at hospital for his injuries."
"One man has been arrested in connection with the incident as our investigation continues. We understand this is a concerning incident but we would like to reassure the public that this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the community."
Restaurant closure and reopening
Reports of the incident surfaced on Friday evening, with police vehicles and ambulances spotted in the vicinity. A member of staff at the fast food outlet confirmed the branch was forced to close as a result of the incident.
McDonald's confirmed on Saturday the incident is now with police and the restaurant has reopened and is trading normally.
Anyone with pertinent information is urged to contact police through the Force website or by ringing 101, quoting reference 50260291126. Details can also be shared anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers via crimestoppers-uk.org or by ringing 0800 555111.
