Nadine Osman

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack on a 16-year-old autistic Muslim boy in Rotherham town centre on September 9.

Mark Smith, 32, of Fleming Way, Wickersley, Rotherham, appeared at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court on September 11 charged with assault.

According to media reports the attack on the teenager was described as Islamophobic by witnesses on Effingham Street.

Police has yet to confirm if the attack was religiously motivated.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: “Police were called at around 1.10pm following reports a 16-year-old boy had been assaulted and injured. The severity of his injuries is not yet known.

“A 32-year-old man has been detained by officers nearby and is currently in custody. The investigation is in its very early stages and there is an increased police presence in the area.”
Rotherham Inspector Martyn Sheldon said: “I continue to urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident and has yet to contact police, to come forward and speak to officers.”
The boy was taken to hospital with a head injury and has since been discharged.

Smith will next appear at Sheffield Crown Court on September 25.