Bring sick attackers to justice (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bring sick attackers to justice

8:40am Wednesday 17th June 2009 in Our View By Telegraph & Argus

It is our sad duty today to report on two separate but shocking attacks on vulnerable people.

A schoolgirl is trying to piece together her shattered life with the help of family and specially-trained police officers after being raped by two men at the weekend.

The 14-year-old was walking her dog in a well-known beauty spot when the pair pounced.

Meanwhile, in an unconnected investigation, police are hunting four young men who left an elderly couple battered and bruised in a disgustingly brutal road-rage assault.

You only have to look at the pictures of their frail victims to realise these men are dangerous and, at the same time, cowards.

In both these cases officers are now asking anyone with information about the attackers to come forward.

While this newspaper would always urge the public to help the police in such appeals, we recognise that some are occasionally reluctant to do so, perhaps because they do not want to get involved, fear being branded a ‘grass’ or are covering up for someone out of a misplaced sense of loyalty.

However, both these crimes are truly horrific and people must put aside any reluctance to help, whatever the cause, and call officers now if they know something about either incident.

A young girl has been the victim of a dreadful sex attack and left traumatised by the ordeal.

An elderly couple has been savagely beaten.

It is vital that everybody does all they can to catch those responsible and perhaps even prevent others from being harmed.