A paddle attack on a kid in Bristol is now being investigated as a racially motivated assault.

On March 26, police were summoned to Conham River Park when a lady shoved Antwon, 12, during a quarrel and beat him with a paddle.

She claimed she acted in self-defense, and his family was advised no further action would be taken.

However, the police department stated that after examining the case and talking with Antwon’s family, they now want to hear from witnesses.

Avon and Somerset Police stated in a statement that the initial decision to take no action was “based on evidence obtained at the time.”

“A review was immediately launched after senior officers became aware of the decision to close this case with no further action being taken, following public concern,” it added.

On Monday, the force’s Bristol commander, Supt Mark Runacres, along with Ch Insp Mike Buck and a community leader met Antwon and his father Tyran to apologize for the family initially being informed by letter that no action would be taken.

Ch Insp Buck added: “We’re extremely grateful to the boy’s father for agreeing to meet us and we had a constructive conversation in which we answered his questions and give him assurances about this review and what it means.

“We have complete empathy with his family and listened carefully to what he had to say. We gave him a full commitment to carrying out a comprehensive and thorough review and to keep him updated about its progress.

“We’ve re-classified this incident as being racially motivated and we have a detective sergeant leading the review, with oversight from a senior officer.

In response, Tyran stated that it was critical that his son “see justice” for what had occurred: “An adult should not be going after kids like that.”

Antwon, who is from Bristol, was at a birthday party in the park when the woman accosted him. Some of the youngsters in his group were apparently throwing dirt at boats in the water when the woman confronted them.

She then hit Antwon with a paddle during a disagreement.

When Tyran approached the woman, she apologized and informed him she had phoned the police herself after “seeing red.”

She was arrested at the scene but later released, according to Avon and Somerset Police.

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