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Boys arrested following assault at Asda in Gravesend

17:09, 21 March 2023

updated: 13:14, 23 March 2023

Four youngsters have been arrested following reports a pensioner was assaulted at Asda.

A man in his 80s was taken to hospital with a head injury last month after he was allegedly hit by an empty shopping trolley at the store in Thames Way, Gravesend.

The escalator connects the store's side entrance to the Overcliffe
The escalator connects the store's side entrance to the Overcliffe

He is said to have been travelling up the escalator, at the side entrance to the store, when he was knocked to the floor by the trolley.

The victim suffered head injuries and cuts to his hands and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Following a police appeal two 13-year-old and two 12-year-old boys were arrested and have been taken into custody today.

The incident happened at the Imperial Retail Park store between 6.20pm and 6.35pm on Friday, February 24.

Speaking at the time, a spokesman for Asda said: "The safety of our customers is incredibly important to us, and as a business we do not tolerate any form of verbal or physical assault in our stores.

"We will continue to work with the police on their inquiries."

Its side entrance was also vandalised a week before the incident
Its side entrance was also vandalised a week before the incident

The spokesman added police were called immediately and store staff did try to contact the injured man afterwards.

Asda was also forced to close its side entrance – which connects the store and the Overcliffe – the week before after the lift and escalator were vandalised.

Investigators are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the assault and anyone with information should call police on 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/35856/23.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form on their website.

Update: All four boys have been bailed to return to a police station on June 20.

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