Patrols stepped up after Chesterfield park knife attack

Residents and dog walkers have spoken of their shock after two nasty assaults in a Chesterfield park.
By Jon Ball
Published 16th Jan 2020, 18:00 BST
Updated 21st Jan 2020, 18:04 BST
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Police officers and park bosses have now moved to reassure people after the attacks in Holmebrook Valley Park.

A man was punched and slashed across the face with a knife in an attack at the Chesterfield Borough Council park last week, just a few weeks after a woman dog walker was seriously assaulted in the park.

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A Derbyshire Police spokeswoman said “officers are not linking these two incidents”, but patrols had been stepped up, while the council said security measures would be reviewed.

Police patrols are being stepped up at Holmewood Valley Country Park after two attacks in three months.Police patrols are being stepped up at Holmewood Valley Country Park after two attacks in three months.
Police patrols are being stepped up at Holmewood Valley Country Park after two attacks in three months.

Dog walker Pete Dodds said the attacks were “a bit scary”. The 76-year-old retired photographer, of Loundsley Green, said: “You hope it’s a one-off, but if they don’t get caught, are they going to do it again?”

Support worker Harry Styring, aged 67, of Holme Hall Crescent, said: “It’s shocking. I’m getting older, so you’re always aware, but there’s that much knife crime going off. It’s a bit frightening, especially if you’re on your own.”

Derek Tyson, 90, a retired broom-maker, of Wythburn Road, suggested the culprits should be enlisted in to the Army. He said: “I am shocked. They want a good hiding, a pasting. We need some law and order and I hope the new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, gets some.”

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Retired school sectretary Christine Stacey, 63, of Barn Close, said: “It’s quite worrying. It’s not something you expect around here.”

Holmewood Valley Country Park.Holmewood Valley Country Park.
Holmewood Valley Country Park.

Her husband Bob, 64, a retired engineer, said: “It’s shocking. We come here a lot and to hear about this is terrible, but I think it’s the same everywhere.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The council, alongside our colleagues at Derbyshire Police, would like to reassure local residents and park users that the local safer neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out increased patrols of the area.

“Council employees based at the park will continue to remain vigilant and will continue to work with the police and review, where appropriate, if additional security measures are required.”

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call Derbyshire Police on 101.