Police closed the investigation into a Halloween night attack on a 14-year-old girl in Belvedere just a few days afterwards due to a “lack of investigative opportunity.”
This has left the girl's mother, Mary, feeling frustrated and determined to seek justice for her daughter.
On October 31, Lacey was reportedly assaulted while out trick-or-treating with a friend in a park near Nuxley Road.
According to Mary, her daughter was approached by a group of boys, one of whom allegedly attacked her.
Lacey, fearful for her safety, says she told her friend to run when the boys began their assault.
Police officers, who were patrolling nearby, responded to the report just before 6.45pm.
London Ambulance Service also attended the scene and transported Lacey to hospital, where she was treated for bruises, a swollen face, and marks on her neck, head, and back.
Mary previously told the News Shopper: “I'm really angry at the minute, very angry. I just want to get to the bottom of it.
“I want to get justice for Lacey. At the end of the day, it's disgusting that eight boys can do this to her. It's so wrong.”
The assault has left Lacey shaken, not only physically but also emotionally.
Initially, police investigated the area for forensic evidence, but a senior officer later decided to close the case, explaining that there was “a lack of investigative opportunity.”
This decision has left Mary and her family disheartened, as they believe more could have been done to hold the attackers accountable.
Mary is now urging anyone who was in the area that night, or who may have security footage or information about the group, to come forward.
She added: “Come forward so it does not happen again.”
The Metropolitan Police have stated they would reopen the case if new information comes to light, encouraging anyone with details to reach out by calling 101 or contacting them on social media @MetCC, quoting CAD6740/31OCT.
Tips can also be shared anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police were on patrol at 18:42hrs on Thursday, 31 October around Belvedere, when they were made aware of an assault on Nuxley Road.
“The young girl reported that she has been assaulted by a boy who was part of a larger group.
“London Ambulance Service were in attendance and the victim was taken to hospital with multiple, minor injuries.
“Following a review from a senior officer, this investigation has since been filed due to a lack of investigative opportunity. Should further information come to light, this decision could be reviewed.
“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD6740/31OCT.
“You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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