Beccles assault on pupils by balaclava man still investigated

The incident happened at around 8.15 am by the Premier Store at Castle Hill in Beccles on February 2.

A man wearing a balaclava got out of a car passenger seat and assaulted several school children.

Three weeks on from the attack a Suffolk police spokesperson said "investigations are ongoing" and the force is working closely with SET Beccles School and witnesses to find the suspect.

Headteacher Neil Ketteringham says his staff are going above and beyond to keep pupils safe (Image: Newsquest)

SET Beccles headteacher, Neil Ketteringham, says his staff are going "above and beyond" to ensure the safety of pupils in their travels to and from school.

Police have linked the attack to an earlier incident on January 30, when a motorist drove at a pupil crossing the road near the school.

On January 30, at around 8.25 am the driver of a white VW car drove at speed at a pupil crossing the road in Castle Hill, narrowly missing him.

At the time a police spokesperson said: “It doesn’t appear to be a random assault and our investigations continue.”

Suffolk County councillor, Caroline Topping, has urged people to support police (Image: Archant)

Suffolk county councillor, Caroline Topping, who lives in and represents the town, has called for witnesses to "help assist police" and come forward.

She said: "Our young people should be allowed to go about their business safely any time of the day.  

"There must have been witnesses about at this time of morning as it is ‘walk to school time’.  

"If anybody has any information that can help assist the police, then please do contact them urgently so this matter can be dealt with."

Anyone who can help with the investigations is asked to contact Suffolk Police at 101.

The crime reference for the assault is 37/6485/23 and the crime reference for the January 30 attempted hit-and-run incident is 37/6467/23.

The Premier Store at the top of Rigbourne Hill where the assaults happened (Image: Google)