Fratton Community Centre unites to battle bullies after sick attack of teenage girl

Worried heads at the Fratton Community Centre scrambled to set up an event following the horrifying assault on Monday, that was recorded outside the city hub and shared online.

A 14-year-old girl has since been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage and remains under investigation.

In the wake of the violence, the centre will host an anti-bullying night on Monday, attended by police and Pompey in the Community.

Councillor Tom Coles, chairman of the Fratton Community Centre Association, said: ‘Following the events of Monday evening and the disgraceful violence against a member of the youth club, we wanted to put something on to promote unity in the community and show that bullying is something that is not tolerated.

‘Fratton Community Centre is here for the community of Fratton and we will stand together on this.’

Taking place from 5pm to 7pm, the night will showcase all the groups and activities held at the city venue, in Trafalgar Place, Fratton.

Julie Crook, centre manager, is behind the effort and insisted the event was open for all to attend.

She said: ‘We’re not asking people for money. We’re asking for a show of unity from the people of Fratton.

‘Children deserve to have a safe space – that’s what we offer as a community centre. This is about showing bullying isn’t tolerated anywhere.

‘We want to show we’re supporting everyone who has been bullied.’

Councillor Dave Ashmore, vice chairman of the centre, said bullying could have a terrible impact on victims and that community centre like Fratton’s could help offer comfort and friendship.

He added: ‘People who have been victims of bullying can sometimes get very isolated and think that no-one is going to help them or believe them.

‘That absolutely isn’t the case at all. Bullying comes in all shapes and sizes. It can lead to bad mental health and physical attacks. It’s important as a community we come together to stamp it out wherever we can.’