A balaclava-clad gang of thugs with knives allegedly plagued Biggleswade’s skate park over the weekend, leaving at least one of their victims in hospital.

Skater Coby-Jay Elkin – who was strapped to a stretcher for three hours after the attack on Sunday – said the hooligans had used his own skateboard as a weapon to fracture his wrist.

He posted on Facebook afterwards to warn others to stay away from the park, which is off Chambers Way and run by Central Beds Council.

He said: “If anyone takes their kids to Biggleswade skate park or knows anyone that does, please stop.

“There is a huge group of kids and a couple of adults jumping people with knives. They are wearing balaclavas and bandanas, it’s all planned.

“If you do see a large group of kids moving towards you in this area, move away and call the police as soon as possible.”

Coby’s posts about the alleged attack on the ‘We Love Biggleswade’ and ‘Sandy, Bedfordshire’ Facebook groups attracted a massive and shocked response.

One neighbour wrote: “I live just around the corner and walk my dog around there all the time. Will make sure my kids stay away.”

Another posted: “So sad. My 10-year-old goes up there. I have felt confident to leave him for a short time, but that’s gone now!

“Ruined by mindless thugs who give Biggleswade a bad reputation, when really the skate park is about youth uniting in a sport they love.”

Beds police have yet to confirm the exact details of what happened on Sunday, and have called on witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesman told the Comet: “Officers are investigating disorder in Biggleswade skate park.

“At around 6.25pm we received calls reporting an altercation involving a group of youths. We were then called to a further incident shortly after 8.30pm.

“We are working to establish the circumstances and ask anyone with information to get in touch.”

Central Beds Council indicated that the incident is being dealt with by the police.

Rob McGregor, town clerk at Biggleswade town council, told the Comet the council has offered to install its mobile CCTV camera at the skate park if it is required by the police or Central Beds Council.

The camera is used by the council to monitor key areas in response to reports of crime or anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman for Central Beds Council said that would probably be well received.

An ambulance service spokesman said paramedics had attended the park after being called at 6.30pm on Sunday.

They treated a young man who had suffered a head injury, and was taken to Bedford Hospital for further treatment, conscious and breathing.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should call Beds police on 101, quoting crime reference JD/22743/2017.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.