Woman speaks of horror of being punched after asking family to pick up litter on Filey beach

The 52-year-old - who does not want to be named - was punched on Coble Landing after two of the family became aggressive and swore at her. “I was just shocked - really, really shocked," she said.

"I have been going there all my life and never seen anything like it."

The victim was walking along the beach in the direction of Filey Country Park when she saw a group consisting of two women, a man and two children leaving litter on the beach by Coble Landing.

She approached the group and asked if they were going to take their rubbish with them.

She said: “Almost immediately the two women started to get very aggressive and up in my face, with one of the women almost nose-to-nose with me."

She says one of the women swore at her but the man they were with started to pick up the litter.

It was at this point one of the women punched her.

“I don’t think she liked the fact the man was picking up the litter and she just hit me in the nose," said the victim.

Although there were lots of people sitting on the wall watching, she says no one stepped in to help her.

When asked about how she feels after the incident she said: “I have been left with mixed feelings, I don’t know if I would do the same again or just walk past.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which happened at around 6pm on Friday, August 7.

In particular, officers want to hear from anyone that saw the lead up to the assault or can provide the identities of those involved.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "The attacker was described as of Asian appearance and the woman she was with was described as black, and they were with a number of young children."

Anyone with information that might help with the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Bradley Robinson. You can also email Bradley.Robinson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference number 12200135843.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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