Furious and upset parents have released footage they say they were sent showing their 11-year-old son being attacked and humiliated.
Catherine and Jon Mellowship say “children are getting out of control and it needs to stop” after their son was lured to a park in Bamber Bridge and filmed while being attacked.
In the clip, which was shared by his attackers on TikTok, and then sent to the family – Ollie can be seen being punched, tripped to the floor and then forced to kiss the shoe of a youth wearing a balaclava.
Read more: Police officer assaulted, youths chased for throwing fireworks and shop staff egged
It is understood the boys involved are of similar age or older than Ollie but do not attend the same school.
Catherine told Blog Preston: “Ollie is a vulnerable child and is awaiting the results of an autism assessment.
“I want to put this out there and raise awareness of what he and other children face. I am so upset by what has happened to him.
“We have tried to talk to the parents of the children involved and they aren’t interested.
“The police are aware and investigating but they’ve told us there’s not much hope. What kind of confidence does that instil?”
In the clip, which can be seen below and was filmed in Withy Grove Park during Thursday 30 October, one of the boys filming can be heard comparing the ‘combo punches’ to a ‘UFC move’ and you may find the video footage which can be viewed below or on our YouTube channel upsetting.
Catherine says the most upsetting part is how she says Ollie tries to halt it but is forced to ‘kiss the foot’ of his attacker.
She said: “It’s absolutely awful to see this footage. I have honestly never felt pain like it.”
She says Ollie had been coaxed to the park by a girl at his school – and claims she did so knowing the boys lay in wait for him.
Ollie is understood to have since received threatening voice notes on Snapchat by those involved.
The family have tried to share the footage on Facebook to raise awareness but say the footage – ironically – has been removed repeatedly by the social media giant due to it being classed as ‘bullying and harassment’.
Catherine said: “It’s been very frustrating. I have tried arguing my second posting of the video is to raise awareness.
“I have been blocked from sending and receiving messages on Facebook for a week because they say I’ve gone against the community standards by trying to highlight what my son has experienced at the hands of these thugs.”
Acts of kindness
When the footage was online and being shared Catherine said they received lots of messages and offers of support – including the Preston’s SpudBros who have arranged for Ollie to go to Deepdale in their box on Wednesday evening to cheer him up.
While Catherine says they’ve also received a new bike for Ollie and British kickboxer Paul Venis has also been in touch to offer his support to the family and sent Ollie a message to encourage him to stay strong.
Catherine said: “Honestly, the acts and messages from both locals and strangers has been so incredible to receive.”
Police investigation
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police confirmed to Blog Preston an investigation was underway.
They said: “We are aware of a video circulating of a child assaulting another child in Withy Grove Park, Bamber Bridge.
“An investigation is underway and enquiries are ongoing.
“If you witnessed this incident or have any information that could help us, please call 101 quoting log 1323 of 30th October.”
A spokesperson for Cuerden Church School, attended by Ollie, said: “We are aware of a video circulating online showing a child assaulting another child in Withy Grove Park, Bamber Bridge, during the half term holidays.
“This incident is deeply concerning, and we want to reassure parents that the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. We encourage anyone with information to contact police.”
Support Blog Preston: Keep our community reporting going and view the website without any adverts too. Sign up for a membership today and ensure Preston has strong, independent, media and reporting – that can help highlight stories like Ollie’s.
Stay updated: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox. Help us report too, by contacting us if you see something we should be reporting on.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
Read more: See the latest South Ribble news and headlines
