TWO teenage boys have been released on bail following their arrest in connection with a racially-aggravated assault in Carlisle.

The alleged assault occurred on April 24, in the Raffles area, where a group of boys were reported to have attacked another boy at around 4.55pm. 

Following the initial incident, a second incident was reported to have occurred shortly after.

The second incident took place in the Heysham park area involving the same group of male youths and a man from Carlisle.  The victim has been said to have suffered minor injuries. 

Following reports of the alleged incident, Carlisle leaders have reiterated 'there must be no place for racism' within the city. 

A male, in his early teens, from Carlisle, was arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated actual bodily harm and racially aggravated harassment with fear of violence.

A second male, also in his early teens, from Preston, was arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated actual bodily harm.

Whilst the two teens have been released on bail, the investigation is ongoing, with a "number of enquires" being made.

Police announced a larger police presence in the area can be expected, as efforts to reassure the local community continue.

Speaking following reports of the alleged incident, John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, said: "There is no place for racism in Carlisle. I am in contact with the police on this.

"If you have any information that could help the police, please come forward," he said. 

In a similar vein, Julie Minns, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Carlisle, said: "There must be no place for racism, and no space for those who seek to stir division in our communities.

"Please contact the police with any information, and please refrain from commenting or speculating about the individuals involved."

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "Anyone with information relating to, or witnesses to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 151 of 24 April 2024.

"You can also phone on 101.

"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111," they said.