Man hospitalised after brutal attack

A man spent two days in hospital after he was viciously attacked when trying to stop thieves stealing his bicycle.

The victim, 20, was riding home when he was stopped by a gang of four teenagers who asked him for a cigarette. However, when he said he did not have any, one of the gang demanded the bike and threatened to physically attack the victim if he did not acquiesce.

Another member of the gang continued to goad his friend into attacking the victim, which eventually he did, punching him and causing the man to fall down some concrete steps.

The offender then threw the bike down the steps but not content with that, then walked down the steps and stamped on the victim's head several times.

This brutal assault left the victim with a nasty injury to his ear which needed two days of hospital treatment.

However, the victim managed to grab onto his bike and stopped his attacker from stealing it, causing the rest of his gang to flee.

The assault happened between 5.20pm and 5.40pm on Mornington Road, Kirkholt.

The main offender is described as being between 16-17-years-old, of mixed race, slim build and wearing a black Adidas hooded top with the hood pulled up, black Timberland or Rockport boots.

Another member of the gang was said to be white, of a stocky build, 18-19-years-old, with a shaved head and had tattoos on the knuckles of both hand. These were described as showing a black dog, possibility a pitbull or Staffordshire bull terrier.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Donna Rollinson said: "I am sure that anyone reading or hearing this will be appalled and shocked at the level of violence this offender has resorted to.

"It was a callous and calculating attack on a young man who needed hospital treatment as a result. Given the brutal nature of this attack, it is lucky he did not suffer more serious injuries.

"We need to find both the offender, who is clearly dangerous, and the gang he was with so we can stop other innocent members of our community from being targeted.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward. Perhaps you saw this gang hanging around the area? Perhaps you recognise the individual with the distinctive tattoos? If you do have information then we need to hear from you as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.