A boy was attacked after a 100-strong brawl between adults and teenagers broke out on a seaside town beach.
An investigation has been launched after armed adults were filmed attacking the teenager on Back Beach in Teignmouth.
A man has been arrested and the teenager, who suffered minor head injuries, has been identified
‘Officers were called to reports of a young male victim being attacked by four adults with weapons at approximately 8.45pm on Back Beach, Teignmouth, and attended the scene where 50 to 100 people were present during the incident,’ a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said.
Footage of the attack has been circulating on social media and officers have asked members of the public not to share the footage online.
Detective Sergeant Emma Boobyer, from Devon and Cornwall Police, added: ‘We have identified a teenage boy who has sustained minor head injuries.
‘He has been checked over in hospital and discharged.’
A man has been arrested on suspicion of affray and remains in police custody, the force said.
‘The incident was part of a wider, large-scale disorder, which is thought to have involved teenagers and adults.’
Police were called to a huge adults-verus-teenagers brawl on Back Beach in Teignmouth
During the commotion, a boy was attacked by four adults who were allegedly wielding weapons
DS Boobyer said: ‘We would urge anyone who was involved to come forward.
‘This incident will no doubt cause concern in the community.
‘CCTV inquiries are ongoing and there will be a heightened police presence in the area this morning and over this weekend.
‘We are aware of footage circulating on social media and possible names being identified.
‘We ask that people do not share this footage, and we need to remind the public that any suspect under the age of 18 is by law not allowed to be identified.
‘These rules are not solely for media organisations to adhere to.
‘They also apply to members of the public and includes information posted via social media.
‘This may be seen as interfering with a live investigation we therefore remind the public that it is vital that they do not speculate on the identity of any suspects in this case.
‘If you do have any information, please report it directly to us.’
