Police criticised over lack of action after woman is headbutted by man in attack captured on CCTV

A man is threatening to file an official complaint about the way police dealt with an attack on his wife in which she was headbutted by a stranger in broad daylight near Sheffield.
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He claims that despite the attack being captured on a CCTV camera and his wife’s mobile phone, nobody from Derbyshire Constabulary has interviewed his wife yet about her ordeal.

The disappointed man, who does not wish to be named, claims witnesses to the attack have also not been asked to provide police statements, despite the incident in Killamarsh being reported over three weeks ago.

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He is threatening to report the handling of the case to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Derbyshire Constabulary is being urged to take action over reports that a man headbutted a woman in broad daylight in an attack captured on CCTV and a mobile phone and witnessed by residents (Photo: Getty)Derbyshire Constabulary is being urged to take action over reports that a man headbutted a woman in broad daylight in an attack captured on CCTV and a mobile phone and witnessed by residents (Photo: Getty)
Derbyshire Constabulary is being urged to take action over reports that a man headbutted a woman in broad daylight in an attack captured on CCTV and a mobile phone and witnessed by residents (Photo: Getty)

And he is also making plans to inform his local MP Lee Rowley and Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner to voice his concerns.

He said his wife’s troubles began as she walked their three dogs, French Bulldogs, round Rother Valley Country Park on Tuesday, March 16, where she was challenged by a man ordering her to put the one which was running loose on its lead.

It is reported that the man, who was dressed in camouflage clothing, confronted her from some bushes.

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He is then said to have been verbally abusive and hurled foul language at the woman as he followed her round the country park for 10 minutes.

When the dog walker left the park a short time later a car pulled up alongside her on Sheffield Road and the man she had been involved in the earlier confrontation with jumped out.

During a heated incident, it is claimed that he then headbutted her - splitting her lip.

He is also accused of attempting to steal one of the woman’s pet dogs before fleeing the scene.

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Since details of the incident were shared online, other members of the public have come forward to report similar incidents.

They have all been urged to contact the police about their experiences in case they are linked.

The husband who has gone public with his wife’s experience, said: “This was captured on CCTV and a mobile phone and there were independent witnesses. What more do the police need?

“The police rang last week and said they may be able to caution him, but that is not good enough. There should be a prosecution – this was a man being violent and aggressive towards a woman in broad daylight and headbutting her in front of witnesses.

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“I don’t think this set off as an attempted dog theft but it developed into one. He tried to release our most expensive dog from her lead and to pick her up while confronting my wife.

"Thefts are rife at the moment, so this is a concern too.”

He added: “We just feel totally let down by our local police force and as though we are being fobbed off.

“We want justice and will not stop until this is investigated properly.”

Derbyshire Constabulary has been approached for a response.

The force can be contacted by calling 101.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.