A 37-year-old man was arrested within hours of allegedly slapping a 10-year-old boy in Whitworth, Rossendale, in an incident police believe may have followed a “knock-and-run” prank, with detectives also investigating claims he threatened to stab others before fleeing the scene.
Police have arrested a man after a 10-year-old boy was assaulted in Whitworth, Rossendale, in an incident that drew several patrol cars to the area and prompted residents to gather outside their homes. The confrontation happened on Spring Mill Avenue on Tuesday evening, and was partly captured on video circulating on social media, which shows a man walking onto a front garden and appearing to slap the boy twice before leaving. Lancashire Police said the 37-year-old suspect was located and arrested later the same evening following local enquiries, and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
What Police Have Confirmed
A police spokesperson said: “We were called at 6.40pm yesterday (7th July) to Spring Mill Avenue, Whitworth, to a report of assault. Our officers attended, and it was reported that a 10-year-old boy had been assaulted. A 37-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of assault and using threatening behaviour. He is currently in custody.” Despite the alarming footage, the boy’s injuries are not believed to be serious and he did not require hospital treatment.
Reports of Threats to Stab Others
Beyond the assault itself, detectives are also looking into reports that the suspect threatened to stab other people during the incident before leaving the scene. As part of the wider investigation, officers are reviewing doorbell footage, CCTV and mobile phone recordings, including clips that have already been shared on social media, to build a clearer picture of what happened.
A Prank That May Have Sparked the Confrontation
Police say they are aware of reports suggesting the incident began after children in the area had taken part in a “knock-and-run,” or knock-a-door-run, prank, and are working to establish the full sequence of events that led to the alleged assault.
Reassurance Patrols and Ongoing Enquiries
In the aftermath of the incident, neighbourhood officers stepped up patrols in Whitworth, speaking with residents and gathering further information about what took place. The 37-year-old man remains in custody while detectives continue to question him and build their case, with police urging any witnesses who have not yet come forward to contact them.
