Teenager forced off bus and beaten by gang (From Your Local Guardian)

Teenager forced off bus and beaten by gang

11:02am Friday 10th August 2012 in Wandsworth By Alexandra Rucki

A 14-year-old girl was forced off a bus and beaten by a group of eight yobs that left her with a broken jaw, black eye and bruising.

The teenager was on the 39 bus travelling towards Putney Heath, close to where she lives, on August 2.

The youth was first pounced upon when the bus reached Tibbets Corner, Putney, at about 7.25pm.

She was then dragged off the bus outside the Green Man Pub, in Wildcroft Road, Putney, with one gang member putting his arm around her neck.

The group took her to Putney Heath where she was badly beaten, as gang members kicked and punched her in the face.

An ambulance and the police were called, who have been trawling CCTV to try and find the culprits.

Her distraught mother and grandmother are appealing for witnesses to come forward, with the girl left badly shaken by the attack.

It is believed there were six 16-year-olds and two 19-year-olds involved in the incident, while a 22-year-old girl accompanied the gang.

Grandmother Moira O'Connor said: "I could not understand it, I want to find witnesses. How did the bus driver let her get dragged off the bus?

"I want for them to be shamed and as a warning to go out to other young vulnerable girls.

"It was at Tibbets corner. When they got to the Green Man an arm was put around her neck and she was punched and kicked - punched in the eye."

A Wandsworth police spokesman said: "I can confirm that an allegation of assault has been made by the victim, one person has been arrested. This is an ongoing investigation."

The spokesman said one person has been arrested but gave no further details.          

Anybody who has information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111