Boy, 16, ‘serious’ after van drives over his tent

The 16-year-old was camping with a group of friends near Selby when he was attacked in the early hours of yesterday.

Police said a man came up to the group, who were in a field between York Road and the River Ouse in Barlby, and chatted with them but the conversation “escalated into a disagreement”, which ended up with the man threatening to run over their tent with his vehicle.

The man went away but returned a short time later in a white van, officers said.

Most of the group escaped and hid nearby, but the teenager stayed inside the tent and suffered serious injuries. He was taken to York District Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition, although his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The 16-year-old was having tests to ascertain the extent of his injuries, police said.

A local man in his twenties has been arrested and remained in police custody last night.

Detective Chief Inspector Heather Pearson, from North Yorkshire Police, described the incident as “disturbing” and appealed for the public’s help to build up as clear picture as possible of the events leading up to the attack.

Det Chief Insp Pearson said: “This is a disturbing incident which has resulted in a teenager sustaining serious injuries.

“It is vital that we obtain as much information as possible of the events leading up to the incident.

“I am therefore appealing to anyone, in particular nearby residents, to contact the police with any information they have relating to the incident.

“If anyone saw a white van in the area late on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday morning, please contact us as a matter of urgency.”

John Eastwood, vice chairman of Barlby and Osgodby parish council, said: “It is shocking news.”

Anyone who has any information which could help the investigation is asked to contact York CID on 101.

Those wishing to ring up anonymously can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, an accident involving two cars closed the M1 in South Yorkshire yesterday between J37 and J36 causing long queues. Two casualties were taken to hospital following the accident on the southbound carriageway at 11.49am.

Northbound traffic was having to leave the motorway at junction 36 and southbound traffic at junction 37.