A BARNSLEY mum has slammed South Yorkshire Police after her daughter was reportedly attacked by a group of girls.

Carla Hardwick has called on the force to take action quicker and has ‘serious concerns’ over the police’s handling of the alleged assault that took place in Shafton on May 23.

She said that her 15-year-old daughter was the victim of a ‘serious and sustained’ attack by a group of girls in the area.

She’s worried similar incidents will occur before any action is taken.

She told the Chronicle: “The police attended the scene on the night, and due to the severity of the incident, we expected this matter to be treated with urgency and taken extremely seriously.

“We have been left completely in the dark following a traumatic and distressing incident.

“My daughter was jumped by multiple individuals and suffered a severe attack which has had a significant impact on her both physically and emotionally.

“As a parent, I find it deeply concerning that after such a serious incident there appears to have been little to no action taken.

“I would have expected immediate follow-up, witness statements, safeguarding measures, and visible progress in identifying and dealing with those responsible.”

Carla says she fears that it may take someone to be seriously injured - or even die - before the force takes any action.

She added: “There appears to be a pattern of violent behaviour which many people in the area are already aware of, and I am deeply concerned that if meaningful action is not taken, somebody could be very seriously injured in the future.

“No parent should have to fear that these types of attacks are becoming normalised or ignored.

“Young girls should be able to go out without the risk of being violently attacked by groups acting with apparent impunity.

“I believe the public would also be concerned to hear that a young girl can be violently attacked by a group, with police attendance at the scene, yet days later the family has still received no communication or support from the authorities.”

A police spokesperson told the Chronicle that they did not wait a week to get in contact and added: “On Saturday May 23, at 9.12pm, we received a reports of a large disturbance on Queens Drive in Shafton.

“It is reported that a large group of youths were in the street fighting.

“It is further reported that a victim sustained serious injuries during the altercation.

“Police attended and the crowd dispersed.

“Enquiries were conducted and an investigation was launched around the reported assault the following day.

“Two days later the victim’s mother attended a booked appointment with an officer, where footage was obtained.

“Enquiries are currently ongoing.”