On Friday, 22nd May 2026, my world was shaken when my 15-year-old son became the victim of a brutal attack in Moss Side, Leyland, Lancashire. A group of approximately 10 teenagers, all but one wearing balaclavas, ambushed him while he was on his way to his friends house. They descended upon him without hesitation, throwing endless punches to his face and every angle of his head. My son had no chance to defend himself against a group of ten  and feared for his life as he couldn't escape. This assault, a horrifying and traumatic experience, was only halted by the timely intervention of two members of the public and a concerned local neighbour.

This incident has left me deeply concerned about the safety of our children and the increasing trend of teenagers using balaclavas to conceal their identities while engaging in illegal and violent activities. It is evident that the wearing of balaclavas provides them with a false sense of security, encouraging some to commit crimes without fear of detection or accountability.

The implications of this are far-reaching. Allowing children to cover their faces with balaclavas not only hinders law enforcement from identifying offenders but also breeds a culture of fear and insecurity in our communities. We have seen numerous instances where anonymity facilitated by face coverings has led to a surge in youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

Our goal is clear: To create a safe environment for all children and community members by advocating for a ban on children under the age of 18 wearing balaclavas in public spaces. By doing so, we uphold the law, deter criminal behaviour, and promote a sense of safety and trust within our communities.

We urge local authorities, including the South Ribble Council, to take immediate action and support the implementation of this ban. This will serve as a preventive measure, ensuring that such violent and unprovoked attacks do not happen to others in the future.

Please join us in protecting our children and enhancing community safety. Sign this petition to demand a ban on balaclavas for under 18s in public areas. Together, we can make a difference!