Six teenagers arrested after pensioner, 72, and four others are assaulted in 'racist' park attack

By FRANCINE WOLFISZ, NEWS REPORTER Published: 19:50, 30 May 2026 | Updated: 19:52, 30 May 2026 Six teenagers have been arrested after a pensioner was left with serious facial injuries following a 'racially aggravated' attack in the West Midlands. The 72-year-old man also sustained serious injuries to his arm when he was assaulted at Willenhall Memorial Park near Walsall, West Midlands, at around 6pm on Sunday, May 24.  He was rushed to hospital but has since been discharged. West Midlands Police said four others were injured in the attack, which detectives were treating as 'racially aggravated'. Six teenage males, aged between 16 and 18, were arrested following the incident. Supt Gareth Mason said: 'We understand the seriousness of this incident and the concern it has caused in the community. 'Any form of hate crime will not be tolerated and we take every report extremely seriously. 'Detectives are keeping the victim and his family informed and are supporting them through our investigation. Six teenagers have been arrested after a pensioner was left with serious facial injuries following a 'racially aggravated' attack in Willenhall Memorial Park near Walsall, West Midlands 'Our neighbourhood officers have increased their patrols in the area and are meeting with key members in the community and local partners to reassure them and listen to their concerns. 'As part of our enquiries we would like to appeal to the public for any further information about the incident. 'If you were in the memorial park around the time of incident and haven't yet spoken to us, then we urge you to come forward.' A force spokesperson added: 'We've made a number of arrests after a man was assaulted in Willenhall Memorial Park. 'The incident happened at around 6pm on Sunday, May 24. 'The 72-year-old man sustained injuries to his face and arm and was taken to hospital for treatment. Thankfully he has now been discharged. 'Four other people were also assaulted which is forming part of our investigation. 'Following further enquiries, officers have arrested six teenage boys, aged between 16 and 18 years old. 'They all remain in custody for questioning. 'Officers are treating this assault as racially aggravated and we are continuing at pace to review CCTV footage and speak to witnesses.' Anyone with information should contact the force by calling 101 and quoting crime reference number 20/260864/26 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.