Autistic teenager stabbed in head in park attack

A boy was beaten and stabbed in the head by a gang of boys and girls who also tried to set him on fire.

The 14-year-old, who is autistic, was attacked in Mansfield’s Ladybrook Park on Tuesday evening.

Nottinghamshire Police said two boys, aged 13 and 14, and a 16-year-old girl had been arrested in connection with the incident.

A fundraiser set to replace the jacket of the boy, Kayden, who was attacked has raised more than £1,300. Kayden's mum, Zoey, said he had had to hand over his favourite fleece to police as evidence so she set up the appeal to replace it and “put the smile back on Kayden’s face”.

She said telling Kayden about how much money people had donated was the first time he had smiled since the attack.

Kayden had been at the park off Armstrong Road with friends when he was sent a text message that a group intended to attack him.

A gang of about 15 youths, according to his mum, arrived and punched him to the ground, stamped on him, stabbed him in the back of his head, and attempted to set him alight using a lighter and a deodorant spray.

Kayden had to go to hospital for his head wound to be glued, and he suffered bruising and swelling to his face.

“His face is a mess, he’s unrecognisable at the moment, he doesn’t look like Kayden.

“It’s been hell."

Det Sgt Rachel Mayfield of Nottinghamshire Police asked for witnesses to come forward to help identify “a number” of outstanding offenders.

She said the force believed it was a targeted attack but reassurance patrols had been carried out in the area.

Police said a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old were detained on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

A 16-year-old was detained on suspicion of encouraging or assisting in the offence and possession of cannabis.

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.