Woman describes moment she was attacked by gang of youths

Poole resident Amber Cole, 25, was out walking with her partner Adam Stevenson, 33, along with her eight-month-old puppy Luna in Bourne Valley Park on Sunday afternoon. 

When walking towards the top of the heathland, they saw a gang of 13 to 17 year olds approaching and their Staffordshire Bull Terrier pup went around them. 

Amber said one of the teenagers then “held the dog whilst the other one kicked her face” with Luna sustaining injuries under her eye and some fur loss. 

Adam's scarred back from the attack

Read more: Couple and their dog assaulted by gang of teenagers in Poole

Recounting the terrifying event, Amber said: “I ran up and said ‘get off my dog’, at which point I was smacked in the head a few times.  

“I’ve got lots of swelling and bruising on the side of my face. The eldest of the gang grabbed me by the shoulders and started booting me really hard in the chest with the bottom of his shoe. 

“He said he doesn’t care if I’m male or female, and that he will kick my head in. It has left me with internal injuries in between my two ribs.” 

The injuries received to Adam (Image: NQ)

Amber’s partner Adam then stepped in to stop the assault, standing in front of the teenagers, when all five “jumped on him and threw him to the floor”. 

“They repeatedly punched and kicked him,” she added.

“He has a lot of damage internally to his foot, a laceration above his left eye which has caused vision problems because of the repeated blows he received. His back is pretty nasty too.  

“He has to speak to a facial surgeon because where he was repeatedly punched near the eye, it will require surgery. 

The injuries received to Adam (Image: NQ)

“They were so intent on causing as much damage as they could. Before it rained, there was blood everywhere.  

“My partner lost a lot of blood, his blood pressure dropped. As you can imagine, he is in a lot of pain and discomfort. 

“They thought it was hilarious. The youth today have no respect for other people. They are fully intent on hurting people.” 

Amber said the assault has left her with “PTSD” and that she “cannot go back to the area which is usually lovely.” 

She added: “It’s a place I take my two young children for walks. My kids won’t understand why they can’t go to the park again.  

“They won’t understand why mummy is all bruised and cut up with lumps and bumps over her. How do I explain that to two young children?” 

Luna requires further treatment from the vet, and both Amber and Adam remain in “a lot of pain”. 

Amber Cole and Adam Stevenson

Police Constable Louis Allen, of Poole police, said: “This was a very nasty incident and we are carrying out a full investigation to identify those responsible. 

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened to please get in touch. 

“Also, I am keen to hear from any residents in the vicinity who may have relevant home CCTV footage to help my enquiries.

“I fully understand this incident will cause concern in the local community and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team can be contacted with any issues or information.” 

Dorset Police is urging anybody with information that can lead to the identity of the youths to come forward, by phoning 101 and quoting occurrence number 55220145019. Alternatively, contact www.dorset.police.uk/contact.