More police officers are needed on the streets, says a concerned parent whose stepson was terrorised by a masked man.
Anna Crouch is calling for West Mercia to take action after her stepson was chased by a man in a balaclava in Pershore.
Ms Crouch was disappointed with the force’s response to the incident and feels it could have been prevented had more officers been on patrol.
She said: “I’ve been told by a Safer Neighbourhood Team officer that my son was failed, he could have been in a body bag.
“He could have ended up in a very different situation and that’s scary.
“As parents, we feel let down by the police.
“Something needs to be done to get more officers on our streets.”
READ MORE: Stepmum's plea after teenager chased by balaclava-clad man
Ms Crouch explained that a man, around 6ft tall and dressed all in black and a balaclava, jumped out of a bush and chased her stepson holding a large weapon, possibly a bat.
The incident happened at around 9.50pm on Friday, October 21, in the Strawberry Place and Lucerne Avenue area of Pershore.
MP for Pershore, Harriett Baldwin, has backed Ms Crouch’s call for more police presence.
"While it would be inappropriate to comment on any particular case, I was in Pershore on Friday and did hear some troubling feedback from local people about crime and the need for a better police response,” she said.
"I am raising this as a matter of urgency with the local police team as it is clear to me that Pershore needs a more visible police response and zero tolerance to these incidents
"Our local police force has been on an intensive recruitment drive recently and we must see more police on the street in the future."
READ MORE: Teenager 'shaken' after being chased by man in balaclava
Ms Crouch added that she would be making a formal complaint to West Mercia Police and the police and crime commissioner, John Campion.
Mr Campion said: “When I was contacted by the resident, it was worrying to hear the concerns that were raised after what would have no doubt been an extremely frightening experience.
“Following the call, I ensured the family received support from the Victim Advice Line and they were given home and personal safety alarms.
“I will, however, be seeking assurances from West Mercia Police around how this incident was dealt with and I will work with partners around the wider issues that surround this.”
West Mercia Police has not responded to a request for a comment.
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