to be concerned about son getting into a fight

[rockpaperscissors]

Just got back from the park after breaking up a fight between my son ( aged 8 and half) and a boy who was much taller and also looked older than him. Turns out this kid swore at him and was 'being rude'to him but I didn't see who threw the first punch.
Son held his own at first but was on the ground and the kid sitting on his back by the time I ran over. Now I'm concerned about letting him go to that park on his own in case this kid has another go at him. The park is no more than 5 mins walk away from home and son wants a bit more independence as other kids his age are allowed to go out without their mums. He also attends a different school from the vast majority of kids around here so friends are thin on the ground.
Am I being overly protective to be concerned by this?

I think at that age it's a bit young unless he is with some mates tbh.

I think I'm also concerned that he was picked on because he's not in the same school as them and therfore different so he was an easy target for this kid. There are no kids to play in our street either so he is cut off.This is considered to be a good area as well.

I would not let him go to that park alone. even if this fight had not occured however I would say a big no no now.

I think you need to invite friends around just allow him to play out closer to your house.

Believe it or not there are some kids around her younger than he is who are allowed to go there alone. I've always been a paranoid to let mine to that. Perhaps my fears weren't unfounded after all.

quite young children go to my local park alone too, no way would I let dd. I also think that if they are venturing further or to the park it is best not to go alone. I think safety in numbers, even if it is just one other child.