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Original poster

I narrowly missed something v bad happening tonight

24 replies

IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 13/01/2022 21:30

And I’m only just realising.

I walked home through a park tonight about 7pm, it was almost pitch black except for some waist height lights.

I’ve walked through this park a bunch of times and never even thought I’d have a problem.

There’s a main path and a few smaller paths that run parallel. It’s pretty quiet at night but a few joggers and odd person on bike, but never felt unsafe.

I was walking along the path parallel to the main one - I like the view at night from it and the peace when someone grabbed me from behind on my backpack and pulled me to the ground. They stepped to my side then a couple of joggers ran past on the main path and I think it spooked them and they ran off.

I’ve reported it to the equivalent of the non emergency police (not in U.K.) and rang a friend and had a bit of a black humour conversation about it but I’m laying in bed and I’ve just realised what was possibly going to happen. They would’ve been hiding in the bushes waiting for someone.

I’m not really sure what else I should do but I feel really shaken by it.

OP posts:

Cattitudes · 13/01/2022 21:32

You might post a warning on a local Facebook page. It must be such a shock. Take it easy and be kind to yourself.

Keepitonthedownlow · 13/01/2022 21:34

So sorry to hear what happened

Burnt0utMum · 13/01/2022 21:37

Oh god that's awful! So glad you're ok but you must understandably be very shaken up. Take some time for yourself to process it. You should be able to walk through any park or dark place safely but unfortunately these stories are all too common and the reason I avoid these sorts of situations. You shouldn't have to avoid it though. Just glad you escaped this one.

SquishySquirmy · 13/01/2022 21:40

Gosh that sounds awful, glad you reported it to the police. I hope they take it seriously. Did the joggers stop and help when they sae you on the ground, or were they unaware of the situation? Be really kind to yourself this evening, I know it sounds trite but something to take your mind off it like a cheesy film or sitcom with loads of icecream/your favourite treT (sorry, I apologise for how trivial that sounds, and I know it wont take your mind off it completely, but just might take the edge off and avoid going over and over the "what ifs")

Original poster

IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 13/01/2022 21:46

Thank you. I’ve been assaulted before over a decade ago but feeling v wobble about it tonight.

No joggers had no idea as couldn’t see.

I’ve lived and worked in London all my life until I moved here and never ever felt unsafe, even coming home through dodgy areas at 3am, never once, moved here and same (though safer city) but I’m laying in bed jumping at every noise which isn’t like me at all

And feels silly because nothing actually happened

OP posts:

Luredbyapomegranate · 13/01/2022 21:59

That’s awful OP, do you think the police understood how serious it was and have got someone out there to look for this guy?

Luredbyapomegranate · 13/01/2022 22:00

… as in look for him now?

ikeepseeingit · 13/01/2022 22:01

You were assaulted OP, I'm so sorry. They pulled you by your bag all the way to the ground. Completely valid to feel unsafe and scared of that situation and you shouldn't feel you need to minimize it by saying it wasn't that bad. It was scary. As the previous poster said, watch your favorite TV show or film and try to switch off your brain tonight. Unless you need to talk to anyone else? We're here if you need to vent some more x

VelmaandShaggy · 13/01/2022 22:02

Christ. So glad you are ok and make sure you get support, it will probably really shake you up and understandably so. If you feel able to, I would put alerts out in your local community social media or ask someone to on your anonymous behalf, as well as chasing up with police, just in case

Bigpaintinglittlepainting · 13/01/2022 22:02

Oh you poor thing you are probably feeling some shock, that was a very close call. If I was your friend I would love to come and check on you ! Do you have anyone you can call ?

scoobydoo1971 · 13/01/2022 22:06

Please report to the park manager or local authority team responsible for the area. Your attacker maybe a serial offender and you would be doing your community a great service by alerting officials to a potential threat in the area.

Gardeningdream · 13/01/2022 22:08

Something did happen op, please don’t downplay it, you’re right to feel spooked by It. Thankfully you got away unscathed. Well done in reporting it,

Pinkchocolate · 13/01/2022 22:10

Gosh that’s scary. I’m glad you’re ok physically. I’d avoid the area and warn locals. I’d get yourself some support too whether that’s professionals or friends and family. I’m so glad you’re home safe.

scorpiogirly · 13/01/2022 22:20

That's terrible and really scary. I imagine you're only just realising now as the shock is wearing off. I'm glad you are okay.

TitsInAbsentia · 13/01/2022 22:21

Agree with above comments to please not downplay this. Just because it didn't happen doesn't mean it won't happen, not nec to you but could be someone else. Please also post on a local neighbourhood page - nextdoor is pretty good. Always worth alerting people.

Original poster

IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 13/01/2022 22:22

Thank you. I appreciate the bit of a handhold.

I’ve reported it to the non emergency police and they will do what they will with that info.

I’ve contacted the admin of the local fb group to see if they will put up an anonymous post (I have work colleagues on there and I don’t want to talk about it a them if they see it’s me)

I’d love some company right now but the friend I rang is in London and no one to call here.

I am ok I’m just a bit wobbly, would quite like to cocoon myself up!

OP posts:

Thewiseoneincognito · 13/01/2022 22:43

I hope you are ok. Definitely do not walk in there alone at night after dark ever again. Things could be very different if it wasn’t for those passers by.

Original poster

IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 15/01/2022 13:35

Sorry to bump this but I started a thread in Mental Health and haven’t had any advice

I was a bit wobbly that evening and Friday morning but Yesterday afternoon after I had to give a second statement to the police, I feel like it’s hit me like a lorry. I’m v v teary, feel v v vulnerable and basically just want a really big hug and someone to look after me (but have no one to do that!).

It feels silly because nothing actually happened, not really but I can’t get past the what if. Is this normal? To be this affected when nothing actually happened

OP posts:

Opus17 · 15/01/2022 14:10

@IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece

Sorry to bump this but I started a thread in Mental Health and haven’t had any advice

It feels silly because nothing actually happened, not really but I can’t get past the what if. Is this normal? To be this affected when nothing actually happened

I'm sorry to hear what happened to you, op. Of course it's normal to feel like that. It's hard for the brain not to think about what could have happened. Can you talk to anyone about this? A counsellor?

I was caught up in a huge panic after a shooting a few years ago, where people were shot and killed at a shopping centre. Media incorrectly reported they had moved into the city centre and there was a mass panic with people yelling "they're coming, they've got guns, run". It was terrifying. No one was there in the end and there was no danger, the shooter was already dead but it was real in the moment nonetheless, and doesn't mean my feelings after were invalid. It's understandable you're feeling how you're feeling.

MsChatterbox · 15/01/2022 14:19

So sorry OP. I would be the same way. Can you speak with someone about it? I mean a professional... It would do good to talk it through I think!

Original poster

IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 15/01/2022 14:50

Thank you both

I have a friend in the U.K. that I called immediately and she’s been great but I’m conscious that when I talk about it I just go round in circles.

The only friend here I could talk to about it has her own stuff going on, bigger then this and I don’t want to feel like I’m taking up her time when she has so much going on.

A lot of it I think stems back to being assaulted at 17 and that it similarly could’ve happened again but I o lot have 2 friends that k ow about that so its not something I want to talk about with others

I’d like to talk to a councillor, I had a great one in London that I’ve done a few video calls with but unfortunately financially it’s not an option right now.

I appreciate what feels like a bit of a handhold, genuinely x

OP posts:

MsChatterbox · 15/01/2022 20:02

That's a shame its not an option right now, hopefully talking on here will do some good instead! There's quite a lot of therapeutic videos on YouTube maybe they could help if you feel panicky at all!

Santahasjoinedww · 15/01/2022 20:07

Sorry you are shook up op. What a lucky escape!! I was once in a taxi - from a rank years ago - in my early 20's..had been drinking on a night out. Driver took me to some waste ground. Kept asking if I was scared - asking if I was worried what he could do to me. .. Cocky arrogance or what but I said I wasn't scared and to hurry up and get me home!! Which he did. I reported him to the police and his taxi firm. Never heard anything back.. Never chased it up but I know now I should have. Dm told me to just leave it so I did.

lljkk · 15/01/2022 20:16

I fought someone off in a similar situation in about 1995.
I'm pretty feisty so wasn't upset so much as wound up & annoyed.
I was lucky I was headed to a party so just told people there (went to police first) & then got to enjoy the party. Which had its own memorable events!!

The only legacy is that I still don't like strangers steadily walking close behind me on the street. I turn around & give them a hard stare, cross the road, speed up, slow down, etc. It's not an issue in crowds, just on fairly quiet streets or paths.

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