VIDEO: Gang of youths assault shopper with elderly parents in her car.

A former Romford resident returned to the local shopping centre yesterday, Tuesday 30 May, with her elderly parents in the car when she was assaulted by a gang of youths.

The incident left Julie, her mother and father who has dementia, very shocked and upset.

Julie told the Havering Daily: “I don’t normally go to Romford anymore, but I went to park in the Marketplace yesterday to do some shopping with my parents. My father has dementia and I come down to see my dad who is in a care home.

“As I was pulling into the car park, the group of youths were waving a broom about and hit my car as I drove passed. I got out and asked them what they were doing and why they were hitting my car and they then threw the broom at me and ran off.

“When I parked, I saw this group of youths, four boys and some girls all aged between 13-16 years old walking and I wanted to get their image to ask if anyone knew who they were and why they were causing anti social behaviour.”

Julie was then verbally assaulted and had her phoned smashed out of her hand.

“They began shouting abuse at me and ran at me hitting my hand so my phone smashed on the floor.

“They screamed in my face and another then ran at me as I picked up my phone and hit my hand again so my phone fell for a second time.

“It was very distressing for my parents who were in the car at the time watching and I could see my father who can’t walking trying to get out to help me.”

Julie was not only left extremely distressed, but was also angry at the lack of support from other shoppers who all stood by and watched the shocking incident.

“I actually asked the crowd are you all just going to stand and watch? One local shopper owner did tell me that this gang of youths are always in the area causing anti social behaviour.

“It was a very upsetting incident for myself and my parents who had to watch it all from the car. I was very panicked when they ran right at me, screaming in my face and smashing my phone.

“I’m not in a hurry to go back to Romford anymore. I am really disappointed to see youths behaving like this and I would be very sad if they were my children to see what poor behaviour they have.”

The incident took place yesterday, Tuesday 30 May around 1.30pm at Romford Market place. If anyone saw Julie being assaulted, or recognises the description of these youths, please contact the police.

Julie and her parents have been left very distressed and angry at what happened.

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