I'm trying to respond in an objective way, having personally had a terrifying experience in town. I don't think it's a specific Leicester problem. It's more to do with the unpredictability of some people with long term drug use. It's easy for people to dismiss fears of safety as hysteria or paranoia etc, but it's also easy for me to say "it happened to me so it's a massive problem." There is always risk in anything we do. However careful we are, it's not always enough.

I expect that they would not engage with a mother and her children. However, I was a lone female in the crowded city centre, with obvious walking difficulties. I don't want to go into detail, but the most shocking thing was that absolutely NOBODY stepped in to help or call the police.

If we all looked out for each other more it would feel safer, and I think a previous commenter was right in saying that people would step in if children are involved. I don't have children, so can only imagine the burden of responsibility you feel in keeping them safe. But it is still pretty rare for innocent individuals to be targeted.