Girl, 16, charged with attempted murder after Cardiff park attack

A 16-year-old girl has appeared in court charged with attempted murder following an attack in Cardiff which left a man with life-threatening injuries. 

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is one of three people being held by police after a 54-year-old man was rushed to hospital following a serious assault in Bute Park, in the Creigiau area of Cardiff, at around 1am on July 20. 

The girl appeared before Cardiff Youth Court today over the attack which took place just yards from Cardiff Castle. 

A police investigation is now under way and officers are appealing for witnesses who may have been walking near the park in the early hours of July 20.  

A 16-year-old girl has been charged with attempted murder after a 54-year-old man was rushed to hospital following a serious assault in Bute Park, in the Creigiau area of Cardiff, on July 20. Pictured: Police officers at the scene 

Following the attack, the 54-year-old man was rushed to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he remains in a life-threatening condition.

His family have been updated and are being supported by specially-trained family liaison officers. 

Jason Edwards, 25, and Lee William Strickland, 36, both from Cardiff, also appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with attempted murder. 

They have been remanded in custody for a further hearing on August 23. 

Today, the 16-year-old girl spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth during the short hearing.

She did not indicate a plea to the charge against her and no application for bail was made. 

Magistrates remanded the girl in youth detention accommodation ahead of her next court appearance. 

Jane Anning, chair of the bench, told the girl: ‘You are going to be remanded to secure accommodation to appear in Cardiff Crown Court on August 23 for a first hearing.’  

Patrols have now been increased in Bute Park while the injured man continues to fight for his life in hospital. 

Patrols have now been increased in the area following the serious assault in Bute Park. Pictured: A section of the park is cordoned off as police carry out their investigations

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Wales, of South Wales Police, said: ‘I would like to thank the public for their valuable assistance as we continue to investigate the circumstances of this incident. 

‘While this latest arrest is another positive development, we are still appealing for information. No matter how minor the information might seem, it could be crucial to our investigation.

‘In particular, we’d like to hear from anyone who was in Bute Park during the very early hours of Tuesday, July 20.

‘Specifically we want to speak to anyone who was near the Millennium footbridge, which links Bute Park to Sophia Gardens, between midnight and 1.20am.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting the reference 254215. 

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.