The mother of a teenage girl attacked outside a Zara store in Bristol's Cabot Circus has criticised onlookers and staff for failing to intervene. The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 7.45pm when the girl was followed by a group of boys and girls believed to be aged between 12 and 18. She walked into the Zara shop seeking refuge but was allegedly surrounded, with staff reportedly doing nothing to help.
After leaving the store, the girl was assaulted by the group at a bus stop. Her mother, Stacey, said her daughter suffered concussion, bruising to her cheeks and heel marks on her legs, but was not badly injured. She claimed the bus driver and people at the stop also failed to step in. Avon and Somerset Police have arrested three teenagers on suspicion of affray, racially aggravated fear of violence and grievous bodily harm with intent.
Police are investigating whether the attack is linked to the 'school wars Red vs Blue' social media trend. Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Keith Smith said they are keeping an open mind as to whether exchanges about school attendance were connected. He described the assault as sickening and reassured the public that a fast-paced investigation is underway.
A Zara UK spokesperson said the company is assisting police and that their thoughts are with the victim. The mother stated there were 'multiple failures throughout the whole evening' and expressed frustration that no one protected her child. Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference 5226061116.
