Attacked boy jumps into river to flee gang

Jordan Eshelby had to jump into a river to escape his attackers and was in hospital with “an incredibly swollen face” by the time his father was able to find out where he was.

He was in Hillsborough Park with friends but was separated from them after being threatened by two men and a woman.

Police were called to Rivelin Terrace where Jordan had gone to a house asking for help with serious facial injuries and soaking wet after jumping into a river.

His father Dean contacted South Yorkshire Police after Jordan failed to return home on Sunday night and was later called to say his son was in hospital.

He said: “We were a bit worried when Jordan didn’t come home and his friend did so we contacted police straight away to raise our concerns.

“It was heartbreaking to see him lying in a hospital bed. His injuries are horrific, his face is incredibly swollen and he has been having difficulty talking. It will take him a while to recover both mentally and physically.

“The people that did this to my son need to be caught before they do this to someone else. I urge anyone who saw what happened, or who knows who is responsible, to call police immediately.”

Police want to hear from witnesses or anyone who has information about the incident, thought to have happened in the Rivelin Valley area between 10pm and midnight on Sunday.

The three suspects are described as being in their early 20s and scruffy. One of the men, and the woman, were white while the other was of Asian appearance.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.