Campaign for CCTV after 'horrific attack' on woman in Alexandra Park, Hastings

Kay Early was repeatedly punched and kicked until she was almost unconscious when a man attacked her as she walked her dog in Alexandra Park in Hastings, in June last year.

The 33-year-old suffered significant head injuries, cuts and bruises all over her body and has experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following the assault, which happened in daylight.

READ MORE: Man arrested after woman assaulted in Alexandra Park, Hastings

Claire Noble, Kay's best friend since childhood, said: "Her life has changed forever. I've been supporting her through this and have seen how she's suffered because of this attack.

Kay before and after she suffered the attack in Alexandra Park, Hastings

"About three weeks ago the investigation into her case was dropped and we were told there was not enough evidence to take it to court.

"Police said had there been appropriate CCTV footage, that would have strengthened the case.

"As well as the fact there are various incidents of aggression and harassment, there are no security measures in our local park to protect people."

Claire launched an online petition calling for CCTV and lighting in the park on an "Indigo Path".

The path would run through the entire length of the park, be well lit after dark and fully monitored by CCTV at all times.

Claire said: "We want a safe route through areas which are otherwise difficult to police.

"It's not just about catching people, it's about prevention.

Kay and Claire have been best friends since childhood

"I also started a Facebook group to discuss the idea with the community and I've been contacted by many people who've had similar experiences to Kay.

"We've had such a big response, with some people even saying they would volunteer as rangers."

SEE ALSO: Arrest after report of sexual assault in Alexandra Park, Hastings

More than 17,500 people have signed Claire's petition so far.

It comes after a 26-year-old man from St Leonards was arrested on Thursday following an attack on a woman in Alexandra Park.

Last week, a 14-year-old boy was arrested following a report that a 17-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted in the park.

Police at Alexandra Park in Hastings last week

A spokeswoman for Hastings Borough Council said: "We are aware of the concerns raised, especially in the light of recent events.

"We take our community safety responsibilities very seriously and are arranging to meet with the petitioners leading the campaign as soon as possible.

"We are also in conversation with our police partners and leading women’s organisations both nationally and locally, to identify what we can do to help change the fact that almost every young woman in this country has experienced sexual harassment of some form."

Claire's petition is here.