Derbyshire police explain why faces were blurred on racist attack appeal following criticism

The force published an appeal for help in hunting two males and two females after a 15-year-old boy was battered in a shocking racist attack.

The youngster was chased by the gang in Chapel-en-le-Frith, and thrown to the ground before the yobs kicked and punched him.

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Police issued CCTV images of the suspects following the June 29 attack but deliberately blurred their faces with white blobs.

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The alert, posted on Facebook, was mocked by users.

However, the police force has explained that it was legally required to blur out the faces for the appeal, which was successful.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said: “There are strict laws around identifying any child or young person – either as a witness, victim or perpetrator – and as a force we have to abide by this legislation.

“In this case, with Chapel being such a small town, the clothing being so distinctive and the alleged crime serious, it was believed that they would be able to be identified.”

Since the appeal was put out, the people in the CCTV footage have been successfully identified and investigations are ongoing.

The initial appeal has been removed from the Derbyshire Police website.

The spokesperson added: “In this case, a member of the public has come forward to identify the group and officers will be in touch with them in order to conduct further lines of enquiry.

“Once people from an appeal are identified, the picture is taken down from our social media accounts. This is standard practice for all appeals involving CCTV images.”

When the appeal was first shared, one Facebook user, Sue Davies, said: “How ridiculous... does anyone recognise them ...how can we if we can’t see them!!”

Kev Lee wrote: “Grow a pair Derbyshire Constabulary if you’re going to use FB use it properly otherwise this this looks like any other day in JD Sports.”

Dale Smith posted: “Are you being serious??? If they are old enough to commit crime, they are old enough to face the consequences of being identifiable in an appeal. Grow a spine Derbyshire Constabulary.”

Meanwhile Gary Brittain wrote: “How are you meant to recognise them without a face?”

The police appeal said: “A 15-year-old boy was chased from the Co-op to the Morrisons where he was thrown to the ground, kicked and punched to head and body and racially abused between 9.30pm and 10pm on Monday 29 June.

“Officers want to speak to the people pictured in relation to the offence.

“The images have been anonymised due to the age of those pictured, however, their clothing is distinctive and is likely to be recognised by anyone who knows them.

“If you recognise the people pictured, or you witnessed the incident, then please contact Derbyshire Police.”