A SCHOOLBOY left with a broken collarbone after being struck by a cyclist will have his case investigated after a sudden police U-turn – which was prompted by the Essex Chronicle.
Police refused to act, claiming the case was "impossible to solve", when Jack Ellingford's parents told an officer the 11-year-old was physically and verbally assaulted in Springfield.
Yet they have now launched an investigation, and promised to assess CCTV and visit the crime scene, after the family contacted the paper.
"I'm grateful to the Chronicle for your help," said mother Louise, of Uplands Drive, Springfield.
"But I'm still angry because it should've been dealt with properly to start with and not after I've had to go to the newspaper.
"If you hadn't contacted them there is no way they could have got back in touch with me because they didn't even take my name."
Jack was playing with friends in the Bunny Walks under the Chelmer Valley Road bypass, between Arun Close and Fifth Avenue, at about 3.30pm on Saturday, September 6, when the cyclist approached.
The boys said the biker shouted a warning but still collided with Jack. After the cyclist picked himself up he shouted abuse and swore at the boys, then cycled away.
"It's disgusting," said Mrs Ellingford.
"I think what has happened is the guy is embarrassed he has come off his bike."
Jack spent four hours in Broomfield Hospital, must return for repeat x-rays and a fracture clinic visit on Friday, and missed a day at The Boswells School on Monday.
The family visited Chelmsford Police Station after he was discharged.
"They said 'we will never catch him' as he wasn't driving a motorised vehicle which is not insured and because the boys didn't take his name," said Mrs Ellingford.
"They said it was impossible to solve and that it was more of a civil matter."
The man is believed to have been riding a black mountain bike, was of heavy build, aged between 45 and 50 years old, wearing an orange cycle top and dressed in black shorts.
The family says while Jack may have been hit on the half of the footpath devoted to cyclists, this is indicated on signposts as opposed to white painting on the path.
Jack's father Carl said: "I don't want the bloke to think he can get away with it.
"He could have at least stayed with him and made sure he was all right."
While it is not clear if the collision will constitute an assault offence, shouting threatening or abusive words is a public order offence.
An Essex Police spokesman said: "Essex Police would like to thank the Chronicle for bringing this matter to our attention.
"The response the family received on Saturday would appear to be below the standard the force expects. Officers will be contacting the family to speak to them about this matter to establish whether any offences have occurred and investigate accordingly."
Anyone with information can contact Chelmsford police on 101.
