The family of a 12-year-old boy from Bristol have spoken of the upset that has been caused after he was allegedly assaulted with a paddle by a woman.
The boy, who is autistic, had been playing with friends when some of them began to throw what has been described as 'stony, mud balls' into the water - a woman in a paddle boat nearby then got out to tell them off, it is claimed.
According to the boy's family and a letter from the police, the woman admitted to pushing the boy with the paddle in her hand, hitting his head and leaving him with a deep cut. However, the police initially told them that "there is no realistic prospect of conviction should this matter go to court", leaving the family "devastated".
