Dramatic moment funfair security 'throws punches' at boy, 16, 'for no reason'

24 May 2023 , 07:00

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Dramatic moment funfair security 'throws punches' at boy, 16, 'for no reason'

A fairground security guard has been caught on camera appearing to throw punches at a teenager.

Kenzie Watkins, 16, was at Farrar's Funfair on Herringthorpe Playing Fields in Rotherham, in South Yorkshire, on Sunday.

At around 6pm it is alleged a member of the event's security team aimed several strikes at him.

Dad Gareth Watkins said he didn't know why his son had been targeted and said other parents at the scene had told him there was no clear cause.

The video shows other members of the security team restraining the member of staff who had resorted to violence.

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Gareth said he'd just returned home to Sheffield when he was told what happened.

Kenzie Watkins was allegedly attacked by the security guard

The 43-year-old told YorkshireLive: "I'd only just got back to Sheffield after dropping him off when I got a phone call from him [Kenzie] saying he'd been attacked.

"He said one of the security guards had thrown punches at him and he didn't know why.

"I obviously went straight over to get him and to ask what had gone on. When I got down there, other people and parents said they didn't know why it had escalated like that.

The teenager claims he has no reason why the 'attack' took place

"I rang the police to come down and they went into the fair to try and find out more about what had happened but the guy had gone.

"They couldn't find the security guard, he just disappeared when they turned up."

Gareth said he had tried to contact Farrar's Funfairs about the incident but had received no reply.

Police are investigating the incident

South Yorkshire Police said their investigation was ongoing.

A spokesperson said: "Police were called at 6.06pm on Sunday 21 May to reports of a disturbance at Herringthorpe Playing Fields in Rotherham. Upon arrival, officers received a further report that a teenager had been assaulted.

"At this time, it is not thought that the teenager suffered serious injuries. Enquiries are ongoing."

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Farrar's Funfairs said the matter was in the hands of the police.

Gareth continued: "It is really frustrating to be honest.

"At the end of the day, a 16-year-old kid has been attacked and it is on film. The fact that he could just 'disappear' and the lack of help after is just really wrong."

Gregory Ford