PARENTS fear for their children’s safety after a man was found dumped in the street following a serious incident in Croespenmaen and the arrest of ten people.

Worried residents have set up an online campaign which in its first day attracted thousands of supporters, highlighting their concerns after the alleged sex attack on Saturday. Rebecca Dash, 25, set up the online group and said many parents in the area reacted with “absolute horror” to the “horrific”

allegations. She says local mothers are worried about their children.

She said: “It’s a mother’s worst nightmare to receive a phone call to say something like this has happened to their child.

“You want your children to be able to go out in the street and be safe, but I have friends who are wondering how to sit their children down and explain why they can’t go out on the weekend.”

She called for more visible police patrols, and an active Neighbourhood Watch to help residents look out for one another.

Mother-of-one Leanne Brickell, from Oakdale, said she was “disgusted” by the alleged incident, and she was frightened for her 11-year-old son if he went out to play in the street.

She said: “My son should be able to come up here and play with his friends.”

Twenty-year-old Rebecca Tucker, from Oakdale, said the alleged incident had left many calling for the community to stand together.

Miss Tucker said: “It’s scared people. People are asking, why has this happened?”

She added the alleged attack had prompted people in the area to declare they will not tolerate crime in their community, and said many wanted to show that they can and will look out for one another.

Mother-of-one Stephanie Wilson, from Blackwood, added: “We want to prevent any other mother having that phone call.

“We want to try and make it safe for the next generation.”

More than 100 people went to a public meeting at Crumlin Community Centre last night to discuss issues raised by the alleged sexual assault.

Supt Jon Burley and DS Ian Tucker were on hand from Gwent Police, along with representatives from Charter Housing, to answer any questions people had.