FOLLOWING the latest incident of violence inflicted on defenceless young people by gangs, mostly of girl teenagers, police have made four arrests.

There have been a growing number of incidents in Thurrock of teenage girl gangs attacking other young people and then posting film on social media.

Thurrock Nub News reported on one such incident in 2023, which ended with two teenagers accepting police cautions. However, it has been widely reported locally that they have ignored the warning and have continued to take part in gang activity.

The impact of that attack caused the victim great trauma, decribed by her mother in another Nub News article.

Earlier this year Thurrock Nub News shared footage of an unprovoked gang attack on girls in the Lakeside shopping centre food hall, but according to the girls parents and families, little action has been followed through by the authorities even though the assailants were identified.

And just a few months ago a Stanford teenage girl was badly beaten by a group in Hardie Park - and again dissatisfaction has ben expressed about the level of investigation.

The girl's mother told Thurrock Nub News she feels the polic could have done more following the incident, saying: " I left it to the police and nothing has happened. I regret not taking action myself.

"I feel like my pride had been massively destroyed in all this and I now have a once bubbly loud confident girl who is not that little same little girl anymore,

"Mentally it has affected my girl she struggles sleeping and eating coping, she don't go out with her friends, I sleep with her in her bed most nights, I can't even take her out for a day out without having to go for a walk around legoland to calm her down, it's broken my heart all of this and I've had no help."

A teenage girl was knocked to the ground and then beaten and kicked by a gang of young women.

However, in the latest incident, the family of the injured girl have now expressed their appreciation of prompt action - and heop it will put an end to the gang ringleaders ability to take part in further incidents.

They also want Lakeside management and, in particular, the management of the Hollywood Bowl where the incident occured to step up with more security and prompt action.

Today (Tuesday, 7 January), police issued the following statement: "Officers investigating an assault on a teenage girl at a bowling alley in Grays have made four arrests and are progressing enquiries.

"It was reported the incident took place at around 4pm on Friday, 3 January, at Hollywood Bowl, at Lakeside shopping centre.

"A group of teenage girls were involved in a disturbance inside and outside the venue.

"The victim was punched and kicked, suffering an injury which is thankfully not life-threatening or life-changing.

"Staff at the venue intervened, offered support to the victim and a report was made to us.

"An investigation is underway and this work has resulted in four arrests.

"Our enquiries are continuing and safeguarding measures are in place for the victim.

"Four girls, aged 17, 15 and two aged 14, have been questioned on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"One remains in custody and three have since been released on bail with stringent conditions attached while enquiries continue."

Police in the leisure area of Lakeside.

Chief Inspector Tony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, said: "My team have progressed an investigation into this incident and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

"The victim has been identified and is being supported by police. Incidents of this nature will simply not be tolerated and we will always look to pursue those involved.

"We are in frequent contact with partners, including businesses like Hollywood Bowl, and work closely with Lakeside security to deal with issues of anti-social behaviour where they arise.

"We are aware of and have analysed footage circulating on social media relating to this matter and I would urge against sharing this any further to preserve the integrity of our investigation.

"Instead, please share any relevant footage or information directly with us. This could prove vital in helping us move forward with our enquiries.

"I would ask anyone who recognises those involved to come forward to us, as well as anyone that witnessed the incident taking place."

"Anyone with information should contact us as soon as possible. Please cite reference 42/1343/25."

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Members of the victim's family told Thurrock Nub News: "She was jumped by 10 girls in Hollywood Bowl. Not one member of staff helped her. They were all told to 'take it outside' where the girls then dragged her outside and negan kicking and punching her in the face. We cannot believe that Hollywood Bowl did not try to help her or protect her in anyway and sent her outside to be beaten up again.

"Children are not even safe in a place where children should be safe."

However, that is a view strongly contested by Hollywood Bowl.

Though its management did not respond directly to Thurrock Nub News when we asked for a statement, through Essex police, a spokesperson for the company said: "We take the safety of all our guests and our team extremely seriously. Incidents of this nature are totally unacceptable.

"Team members who were on duty intervened and provided the victim with immediate support in our centre as well as offering to report the incident to the police.

"We are continuing to support the police with their ongoing investigations and would like to extend our well wishes to the victim and the family at this time."

A spokesperson for Hollywood Bowl has subsequently contacted Nub News to say they elected to respond through Essex Police 'as this is a police investigation.'

And added: "Working with and liaising through Essex Police was done with the best intentions given the severity of this case."

A further engagement with Hollywood Bowl produced the following timeline of what happened inside the leisure venue, which the conpany says it can authenticate:-

• A group of teenage girls entered the centre with an altercation soon taking place within the amusements area
• Three team members rushed over to intervene alongside customers
• The group of teenage girls were then asked to leave the centre. Police were called but Lakeside Security were already on the scene so therefore Police assistance were no longer required.
• The team stayed with the victim who was visibly shaken and in upset. They comforted her, offered water and had a conversation to ask if she was ok.
• She told them she was 18 years old.
• The team offered to call her parents and the police which she refused
• At no point was the victim asked to leave the centre.
• She went to the toilet to tend to her injuries but then left on her own accord.

Lakeside has not responded.