Security guard injured in Telford town centre incident

The incident occurred on the Red Oak car park near the entrance to the McDonalds restaurant on Saturday.

A group of youths - who had been causing problems earlier in the afternoon by throwing snowballs at shoppers - returned to the area and starting causing problems again at around 5.45pm.

They started throwing more snowballs and generally made themselves a nuisance by intimidating people by threatening to aim at them.

A 36-year-old male security guard made his way to the area to warn the group of youths off but as he approached them he was hit by several snowballs. Without warning he was then pushed to the ground from behind.

A police spokesman said:

"The security guard suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder when he was pushed to the ground and he was then kicked and punched by the group so he could not get up. It was only when several of his colleagues came to his assistance that the group of youths fled the scene in various directions.

"As a result of this incident, in addition to the shoulder injury, the victim also suffered cuts, bruises and grazes to his head and chest.

"The group of youths involved in this incident was said to contain between 15 and 20 individuals - both males and females - who were of various ethnic backgrounds. However, one specific youth who threw snowballs at the victim and then kicked him while he was on the ground is described as being of Asian appearance, aged between 15 and 17, with a slim build and as wearing a dark coloured padded jacket with a hood up.

"Anyone who witnessed this incident, especially anyone who can help officers identify any of the youths involved, is asked to contact police officers in Telford on 101 or 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 544S 260113.

"Alternatively, Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you'd rather leave information without identifying yourself."