Nine attacks on one towpath

BOATERS are advised to take great care when working the Wolverhampton 21 on the Birmingham Main Line, as there have been nine attacks on people on the towpath in just over a week, Orph Mable tells us.

A gang of youths were responsible, with the attacks described by the police as 'brazen acts of malice', with towpath walkers and cyclists targeted, but no reported incidents of any attacks on boaters.

Shattered kneecap

The attacks started on 12th September when a 40 years old man was pushed into the canal, suffering a shattered kneecap. On the same day, a little later, another man was pushed into the canal.

Then the following day four more people were attacked by the gang, with one kicked into the waterway suffering a broken rib.  The youths then threw stones at him preventing him getting out of the water.

There were more attacks up to the 19th September, but the resulting police presence allowed them this week to apprehend three youths.