Police are investigating a serious assault in the usually-peaceful Victoria Garden in Farnham town centre after a teenage girl was beaten in front of dozens of onlookers on Saturday afternoon.

A still image of the one-on-one attack has been widely shared online, and CCTV footage shared with the police shows a group of up to 30 teens watching on – with not one intervening to stop the assault.

It took place at around 4pm in the community garden opposite Sainsbury’s in South Street. The group of teens had reportedly been in the garden for around an hour before the assault, with reports too of youngsters climbing on the garden shed.

A sign on the entrance to Victoria Garden explains why the garden is currently closed out of school hours
A sign on the entrance to Victoria Garden explains why the garden is currently closed out of school hours (Herald)

Farnham Town Council has since taken the decision to close the garden outside of school hours during the week, with the garden possibly closing this weekend too, subject to discussions between the council and trustees of Victoria Garden.

A town council spokesman said the assault was the culmination of a spate of anti-social behaviour at Victoria Garden.

Police confirmed on Thursday that a 15-year-old girl has been arrested in connection with the assault, and has been released on conditional bail.

In a statement, Waverley neighbourhood sergeant Luke Flint also confirmed the incident was reported to police – contrary to an initial statement by a force spokesman.

The victim of the serious assault was also visited by officers, but not until two days after the attack.

Sgt Flint said: “The incident was reported to us and officers have since visited the victim and taken a statement. An investigation was launched and a 15-year-old girl was arrested for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. She has been released on conditional bail.”

Witnesses can call the police on 101 or report online at https://www.surrey.police.uk/