Hampshire police release CCTV as they investigate vicious attack on New Milton’s recreation ground

Police are probing a vicious attack on New Milton’s recreation ground in which a group punched and kicked a man on the ground.

One suspect has been arrested and a poor quality CCTV image released following the early hours incident on the green, off Whitefield Road and Old Milton Road, on Saturday 27th January.

The victim was punched from behind between 2.25am and 2.40am when he was targeted by a group of unknown people.

After being taken to the ground, he was kicked and punched, causing him to bleed.

The group then fled, and the victim was able to get up and call for help.

Acknowledging the CCTV image was “of poor quality”, officers also issued descriptions of two members of the group being sought.

One was a white male, average build, about 5ft 9ins tall, with dark hair, wearing dark clothing.

The other was a white female, about 5ft 4ins tall, with dark hair down to the mid-back, petite build, with braces. She was wearing glasses.

A spokesperson for the Hampshire force said: “We believe the people in this image can help us with our investigation and would urge them, or anyone who knows their identity, to get in touch with us.

“Also, if you have information about this incident, saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or have any CCTV, mobile phone, dash cam or doorbell camera footage which could aid our investigation, please contact us.”

A 22-year-old local man arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent in connection with the attack has since been released on conditional police bail until 1st May, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information should contact officers online at hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 44240038477.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.