A MOTHER is set to launch a campaign in a bid to improve safety at Stevenage Leisure Park. Janine Harrop, 43, received a call from her daughter at 2am on Monday telling her she had just been attacked outside Frankie and Benny s restaurant on the leisure p

A MOTHER is set to launch a campaign in a bid to improve safety at Stevenage Leisure Park.

Janine Harrop, 43, received a call from her daughter at 2am on Monday telling her she had just been attacked outside Frankie and Benny's restaurant on the leisure park.

She was walking through the park with her boyfriend after enjoying a night out at Liquid nightclub when three males kicked her boyfriend unconscious and two females grabbed her by her hair when she screamed for help.

As a result of the attack the 18-year-olds both sustained scratches and bruising.

Both were taken to the Lister Hospital by ambulance and the male victim has been referred to a head injury fracture clinic.

Ms Harrop said: "It's mindless and malicious. I think they get a kick out of it. They are bored, drunk or jealous and I want to set up a campaign to stop it from happening again because sooner or later someone is going to get killed. They have no idea of the knock-on effect of what hitting someone over the head can do.

"The security has got to be tightened. Where were the security guards when everyone was coming out of the club?

"It's not secure enough. There needs to be a police presence and more CCTV cameras installed and parents need to pull together to make sure youngsters are safe."

Warren Blanchfield who manages the park said: "There are always 12 CCTV cameras in operation monitoring the park and they are put around the park to monitor as many areas as they can.

"The park attracts in the region of 80,000 visitors a week and there's a handful of incidences. There's a police force that works in conjunction with the park on Friday and Saturday evenings and that's supported by on site security officers that work seven days a week, 365 days a year."

Barbara Follett, MP for Stevenage, said: "I was appalled to hear about the incident.

"I strongly condemn this vicious criminal act. I understand that there is an ongoing police investigation into this attack and the officers involved have my full support in their efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

"I know that the police already work closely with the licensees at the leisure park and with Stevenage Borough Council to try to ensure that the thousands of people who head out for a fun night in the park every year do so responsibly and safely. In fact, I am relieved to hear that, over the past year, violent crime in Stevenage has fallen by 16 per cent. Sadly, there is a very small minority of people who spoil it for everyone else with this kind of despicable behaviour."

Police are currently investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses.

One of the offenders has been described as a white male in his late teens, of slim build with black cropped hair wearing a white shirt and black vest.

A second offender has been described as a white woman in her late teens, of slim build, wearing a school uniform-type outfit.

If anyone has information, call Herts Police on 0845 3300 222.