- Author, Greig Watson
- Role, BBC News, East Midlands
A confrontation between two groups of people at a scenic location in Derbyshire is the subject of a police investigation.
Mobile phone footage shows sticks being waved and punches being thrown at the stepping stones in Dovedale.
Police confirmed they received reports of a fight at 2.30pm BST on Saturday, including allegations that a child had been hit.
The stones, which are one of the most popular sites in the Peak District, are officially closed pending repair work following damage caused by the winter storm.
Image source, National Trust
A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: “We received a call just before 2.40pm BST on Saturday 27 July to reports of an altercation between two groups at Dovedale Stepping Stones, near Tissington in the Peak District.
“The caller reported that a child in his group had been beaten during the disturbance and that an attempt had been made to steal his wife’s handbag.
“We are aware that a video of the incident is circulating online and that a number of people were in the area at the time of the incident who may have information that could assist us in our investigations.”
“Disturbing for visitors”
The land is owned by the National Trust, which said: “An incident occurred at the Stepping Stones in Dovedale this weekend as two groups of walkers attempted to cross the stepping stones in opposite directions.
“The situation was resolved quickly but we understand that disruptions of this kind can be inconvenient for visitors.
“We urge people to treat each other with respect when exploring the countryside.
“We would also like to remind visitors that the Stepping Stones are currently closed due to storm damage and signs are in place asking visitors not to use them.”
A spokesman for Derbyshire County Council, which is responsible for the repairs, said it was still in the process of obtaining permission from Natural England to work on the site.
