A BOY accused of a savage sex attack in Gloucester has been remanded in custody.
The Coleford 16-year-old appeared in court yesterday where it was alleged he hit a 19-year-old woman over the head, dragged her to the ground and hit her repeatedly, then punched her before attempting to sexually assault her.
It is claimed he tried to rape her while holding a pair of scissors and a bottle to her neck, Stroud Magistrates' Court heard.
It was also alleged she was dragged over a metal fence near the Spa cricket ground in Gloucester at 11pm on Wednesday.
Prosecutor Nadine Farley-Turner said the 19-year-old woman managed to raise the alarm and she was rescued by a passer-by and relatives.
She was treated for injuries all over her body including lacerations, said Ms Farley-Turner.
No pleas have been entered to charges of actual bodily harm with intent to commit a sexual offence, attempted rape and possession of an offensive weapon.
Following the alleged attack near Gloucester Park, councillor Pam Tracey (C, Westgate) has proposed for it to be closed at night.
She was also keen to see cameras installed or police patrols stepped up.
Za Ellis, of Maisemore, said: "This is a big measure to take.
"Families go here, so I am not quite sure how they could close it, it is still light in the evenings. Teenagers go here to kick a football around, where will they go after?"
Sharon Ball, of Tewkesbury, said: "It is such a big thing to close it.
"People go there with their children but also those who do not have gardens want to use the outdoor space."
Bob Warren, of Longlevens, said: "I would not walk to the park during the day time let alone the night."
Barbara Barton, from Abbeymead, said: "I try to avoid coming into Gloucester as much as I can, but I would not walk there anyway at night."
There was no application for bail at Stroud Magistrates' Court, which sat as a youth court for the hearing.
The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, will next appear before Gloucester Crown Court on July 5.
