A COMMUNITY leader has reacted with shock after a 16-year-old boy was arrested over a serious assault in Barrow Park.

Another 16-year-old was taken to hospital with head injuries following the assault but has injuries not described as life-changing.

Police and paramedics were called to the park around 6pm on Monday after the incident.

The injured boy was taken to Furness General Hospital and later transferred to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Officers arrested the other boy involved on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

Cllr Helen Wall, the mayor of Barrow, said she did not want to jump to any conclusions over the safety of the park following the incident.

She said: "It's quite a shock.

"It's a great shame and I hope the lad who was hurt is going to be OK.

"Without knowing the circumstances it's hard to say what the problem and what can be done to remedy it.

"You can't start mouthing off without knowing the details.

"If they are using park to have fights then that's a great shame."

She added: "I know young people have had a really tough time in lockdown.

"They want the company of their friends and that's desperately important."

Police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward following the incident.

A spokeswoman said: "Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact police on 101 quoting the log number 163 of the 10th May.

"Alternatively you can report information, completely anonymously, to the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111."

Police tape was seen covering the main entrance to the park in Abbey Road this morning.

A cordon stretched towards the path going towards the Cenotaph in the park and was removed later in the day.

Concern about disorder in the park were raised previously in a full council meeting.

Cllr Les Hall said it had been 'tainted' by certain youths.