City leaders have joined together to condemn a gang of youths who have been riding around in balaclavas racially abusing York residents.
A group of around 15 youths who usually ride around on mountain bikes are being blamed for the spate of hate crimes.
The most recent incident was at the tennis courts in Hull Road Park on Sunday (22 June) at around 5.10pm.
Two men were assaulted with tennis rackets and sticks while being subjected to racist abuse due to being Muslims.
The suspects were wearing balaclavas.
Inspector Nick Plumb, of the York Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Alongside City of York Council and the York Human Rights City Network, we are liaising closely with York Mosque to provide reassurance that race hate crime will not be tolerated in York.
“Our officers are actively developing intelligence and lines of enquiry to identify the suspects and ensure they face consequences for their despicable behaviour.
“We are urging parents and carers who believe their teenage boys may have been involved in the incidents to get in touch now before we come knocking at your doors.”
Leader of City of York Council Cllr Claire Douglas said: “This is not what our city is about.
“We pride ourselves on being a Human Rights City, one that prioritises our residents being able to live free from discrimination based on their race or religion. This means equally supporting all those who live and work here.
“We’re working with the police and others in the community to help those affected by this appalling behaviour, to do our collective utmost to prevent this from happening again.
“This includes working directly with primary and secondary schools in the area.”
A spokesperson for York Human Rights City Network said: “We have been saddened to hear about the incidents in the Hull Road Park and nearby, which appear to have been racially motivated.
“We send a message of strength and solidarity to those who were attacked, and to their friends and family.
“There is no place in our city for racism, hatred and violence of any kind. York Human Rights City Network embraces a vision of a vibrant, diverse, fair and safe community. It is up to all of us to work for the community we want, remembering that there is more that unites us than divides us.”
Witnesses or anyone with information about the incidents should call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and speak to the Force Control Room.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 000 or make an online report.
Please quote reference number 12250113313.