A mother “wants justice” for her 14-year-old daughter after she was allegedly attacked on Halloween night at a Belvedere park, leaving her shaken and requiring hospital treatment.
Lacey was attacked in a park near Nuxley Road on October 31 and police patrolling the area responded to reports of the attack just before 6.45pm.
It was alleged that Lacey was attacked by a boy who was part of a larger group while trick-or-treating with a friend who “told them to run” when the boys began their attack.
Lacey’s mother, Mary, told the News Shopper: “I’m really angry right now, very angry.
“I just want to get to the bottom of it. I want justice for Lacey.
“At the end of the day, it’s disgusting that eight boys could do this to her. It’s so wrong.”
Mary said her daughter thought the group was the same age as her, maybe a little older, and claims one of the group’s members also had a knife.
The London Ambulance Service attended the scene and took Lacey to hospital.
Her injuries included bruising, a swollen face and marks along her neck, head and back.
Mary added: “I used to go to that park with my younger children but now it really puts me off.”
The attack not only left Lacey physically injured, but according to her mother, it also left her scared and hesitant to return to school.
Mary said police had examined the area for forensic evidence, but a senior officer later closed the case due to what was described as a ‘lack of investigative capabilities’.
The decision has caused frustration among Lacey’s family, who believe more can be done to bring her attackers to justice.
The family is urging anyone who was in the park that evening or who may have seen the group to come forward, noting that security footage from nearby homes or stores could provide important evidence.
Mary urged those with more information to “come forward so it doesn’t happen again.”
Police have said they will reopen the investigation if new information comes to light. They encourage anyone with details of the group or incident to contact them by calling 101 or contacting social media @MetCC, quoting reference CAD6740/31OCT.
Tips can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police were on patrol at 6.42pm on Thursday, October 31. Belvedere, when they were informed of an attack on Nuxley Road.
“The young girl reported that she was attacked by a boy who was part of a larger group.
“The London Ambulance Service attended and the victim was taken to hospital with multiple minor injuries.
“Following a review by a senior officer, this investigation has since been initiated due to a lack of investigative capabilities. If more information comes to light, this decision may be revised.
“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD6740/31OCT.
“You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”