I was assaulted a week ago, how long before police question witnesses?

[Lady-Cc]

I was assaulted by another woman last week, which resulted in bruised face, hair falling out in clumps and a broken finger. I did not retaliate. The police officer came round a couple of hours later and told me he would come back the next day to see if I wanted to press charges. He came round to take a statement and asked if I had any witnesses, which I have. The officer asked me to inform the witnesses that he would be going to see them on Monday and would I let them know. I did so, it's Tuesday now and he still hasn't been. The witnesses have stayed in two nights in a row for nothing and they're starting to get annoyed, which could result in them saying they don't want to be witnesses anymore. I have never been involved with the police or incidents like this before so am unsure of what to do. Should I phone the officer involved to ask him why he hasn't been to take the statements? I don't want to hassle the officer, but what has bothered me is, he asked me to tell the witnesses that he would be round that specific day and he hasn't. Sorry to ramble on, can anyone help?
Oh and I live opposite the woman who assaulted me and have to see her every day.

[anneasquith]

call the police officer.

[Lady-Cc]

I think I will do tomorrow. The impression I got was that he would have rather I'd not wanted to press charges and just gone over to her house to give her a caution. I'm sorry but my 3 kids saw me being assaulted (ages 6, 9 and 12) and were hysterical, and she's been abusive to me for a number of years. Does it usually take a week to take a statement from witnesses? He hasn't been to the assailants' house yet either.

[anneasquith]

just keep at the police to take some action.

[boxtops]

Yes - ring them tomorrow. Don't let them fob you off.

[Lady-Cc]

Thank you. I'm probably being very naive, but could the police just leave it and do nothing unless I get on to them? Or do they have to follow up my complaints?

[trt]

If he tries to fob you off, ask for the Chief Superintendent.

[Lady-Cc]

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.

[bednobs]

" could result in them saying they don't want to be witnesses anymore"
how can you unwitness something?

[Lady-Cc]

I know you can't "unwitness" something, but people don't have to give a witness statement do they. She might refuse to give one now, that's what I meant.

[ummmm]

They'll follow it up. Sometimes more important things come up that they have to deal with first.

[Lady-Cc]

It's just so frustrating. I have to see her every day and she walks around like she's untouchable!!! Hopefully it will be dealt with soon.

[carrot99]

I witnessed an assault in May and wasn't called to a police station to give a statement until July - I have to appear in court next Wednesday. So it can be a slow process.

[ummmm]

It will be dealt with. Phone them to find out but be nice. Tell you witnesses to carry on as normal. They will phone when they are on their way..

[Lady-Cc]

Thank you for that, makes me feel a bit better.

[Lady-Cc]

I have another question! The police only went to see the witness yesterday (a month after the incident) and now she is unsure if she want's to be a witness now! The police officer has told her that if she does give a statement and then has to go to court, that she could be arrested if she doesn't turn up. I think that this has scared her off giving a written statement. She has told the officer what happened which matches my statement. She is the only witness. If she decides not to give a written statement, will the case be dropped?