'I thought I was going to die'

6:32pm Tuesday 29th April 2008

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A MUM "thought she was going to die" after being attacked by a band of youths on the Metrolink in Timperley.

Julie Pickford, 46, received a fractured eye socket and severe cuts and bruises after she boarded the tram while returning from a night out in Manchester and was assaulted by a 30-strong gang.

It is alleged Julie, a former police officer and Judo black belt, intervened to stop rowdy youths throwing popcorn at passengers but became the victim of a vicious assault.

The mother-of-two from Northwich said: "The only suitable punishment for youths like this is detention. They should have a spell of being made to behave but I'm sure all they'll get is a slap on the wrists. I hope their parents can now see what they are capable of.

"I really thought I was going to die. I managed to cover my head but my arms are black and blue."

Officers were called to the Park Road station by tram passengers.

They said Mrs Pickford had been involved in an argument with a number of youths, and was punched in the face and kicked in the leg. She is now undergoing tests for damage to her kidneys.

Doctors told Julie the injuries to her kidney were consistent with being in a violent rugby scrum.

Julie had £50 stolen by the gang who threw her off the tram and hurled abuse at her. She said: "The problem is when they go round in packs. They are animals.

"These are young fit people going round, getting others on the floor and kicking them in the head. You can't do anything once you're on the floor. We've seen this with Garry Newlove and that poor goth that was kicked to death.

"The kids might think kicking people in the head isn't dangerous but it is. If I was an older woman, I've no doubt police would be investigating a murder.

"Other than being bruised, I feel angry. My sons are furious. To think that you can't reprimand a youth for misbehaving is ridiculous. You don't expect to be kicked and punched."

Cllr John Lamb, who was travelling on the tram at the time, has written to Trafford's Chief Superintendent, Janette McCormick, expressing his disgust. He wrote: "I have witnessed many acts of anti-social behaviour but I have to say what I witnessed on Friday evening was appalling, shocking and totally unacceptable.

"A middle aged woman was on the floor of the tram while a chanting, baying mob of early teenage boys and girls shrieked at the tops of their voices. She was hemmed in and youths stood on seats to throw in their insults."

A 15-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed until May 20.

A GMP spokesperson said: "Over the last few weeks there has been an increase in the number of people using the Metrolink due to recently-opened leisure facilities in Altrincham.

"As a result of this increase in passenger numbers there has been a recent increase in the number of minor incidents where transport users have perhaps felt intimidated.

"We have responded to this by increasing the police presence on Metrolink stations and in the surrounding area in recent weeks, a situation that will continue to help reassure transport users and the wider public in the coming months."

GMPTE's Michael Renshaw, said: "This was an unacceptable incident. We are pleased to hear that, serious although this incident clearly was, Mrs Pickford has not been detained in hospital. We are assisting the police and understand that two arrests have already been made.

"GMPTE has begun an inquiry into the incident and we will continue to work with the police and Stagecoach to see how we can help improve safety on the system further.

"A team of more than 50 inspectors and public safety officers patrol the Metrolink network from early in the morning until the last tram a night, seven days a week, and we are expanding this team.

"We believe that this incident was linked to an illegal gathering in Sale. On this occasion the tram driver's emergency call to the control room meant that nearby Greater Manchester Police officers were first at the scene."