What would you have done, if anything?

[GustyParson]

Was just in a clothes shop at a retail park browsing when I saw a boy of about 11 violently kick the shin of an adult man (who was clearly with him, whether his dad or not I obviously can't know), and then punch the man in the small of the back. The boy's face was flushed and angry; clearly this wasn't play fighting but something felt. I couldn't see the man's face as he had his back to me by this point but he said to the boy in a calm voice 'that was shit, you need to work on that' and then kicked the boy hard in the shin. Obviously both were wearing shoes and each kick was right to the front of the shin and strong, so the kicks would have been painful. Is this a situation that merits any action?

I think I'd call the local pcso or police and if they can't get there in time they could look at cctv.

Shit parenting

with queen on that one,

Beyond shit parenting. That's dreadful.

Did you do anything op?

I didn't, no. All I can do at this point is phone the police and say it happened between 7 and 8 in this shop (I was trying to remember which part of it but found I couldn't be sure - and it's a huuuuge Primark). They'd then comb the CCTV, I suppose, if they think it's worthwhile? I can't recall what either was wearing, just the approx age of the boy and that he had dark hair. Is that enough for them to go on, do you think, and should I do it?

I would phone tbh. You've acted on it then and it's up the police to judge on their action.

But if dad does that in public what on earth does he do behind closed doors?

What was the boys reaction? I would have thought that, that would have triggered a response from you.

The security guards react to these situations. So next time, report it, there and then.

It is still worth giving in the information, it won't take a lot for the Police to check the CTV.