Plea for witnesses to assault on 20-year-old
16th July, 2010
Police in Stanley are appealing for information after a young man was assaulted as he made his way home after visiting a relative.
The 20-year-old local man had been to Craghead and was walking near the allotments in Durham Road, Stanley, at about 6.30pm on Sunday, July 11, when he was attacked from behind.
His assailant punched him in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. He was then repeatedly kicked in the head. The victim sustained a badly broken ankle, and bruising and swelling to his face. He received treatment for his injuries over three days at the University Hospital of North Durham but has since been discharged.
Sgt Joanne Long, of Stanley CID, said the assault on the victim took place on the evening of the World Cup final and appeared to be totally unprovoked. She added: "This young man was on his way home after visiting his cousin and appears to have been randomly attacked. He was taken totally by surprise and after being punched in the head, fell to the ground, badly breaking his ankle in the process. He has also suffered substantial bruising to both eyes and swelling to his head."
Anyone who witnessed the attack or has any information about the person responsible should contact Stanley CID on 0345 6060 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
