Friday 10 February 2023
Statement from Surrey Police's Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, following attack outside a school in Ashford.
"Like everyone else, I was sickened by the video
footage of this incident and I can understand the concern and anger this has
caused for both the community in Ashford and beyond.
“This was an appalling assault on two young girls outside
their own school, and I am as anxious as anyone to see justice done in this
case for the victims and their families.
“Surrey Police has had more than 50 officers and staff
working on the investigation and providing visible reassurance in the local
area where I know the local community are understandably shocked about the
attack.
“I have been kept updated by senior officers in the Force
and I know how incredibly hard the police teams have been working this week to
gather as much evidence as they can so that charges can be brought and this
case put before the courts.
“The investigation has been swift but thorough and the Force
is engaging closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that the
evidence passes the threshold for a prosecution in this case.
“I understand this process can be frustrating but I want to
reassure everyone that our police teams are doing everything possible to secure
justice.
“Whilst this investigation remains live, I would ask people
to be patient and allow the police to continue their enquiries so that the
right outcome can be achieved in this case.
“I would also like to echo Surrey Police’s plea to the
public to stop sharing these distressing videos of the incident online at what
must be a really difficult time for the victims and their families.
“This is not only out of respect for them and the trauma
they are going through but is also important to protect any future court
proceedings.”
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:25 pm