Gang attack on friends

Jun 21 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

POLICE are hunting a gang who carried out a vicious attack on two men as they walked home through a village. The outbreak of violence erupted at around 11pm on May 30 but some of the details have only just emerged as one of the victims has been abroad.

The two friends, aged 30 and 29, had been out for a drink that evening in Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

They stopped off for a pizza on their way back to the house of the younger man who was planning to put his friend up for the night before giving him a lift the next day to the airport, to catch a flight to Germany for a short break.

As they walked past the community centre they briefly exchanged words with a group of youths who were drinking from cans. The pair walked on but they were followed by the gang who then set upon them as they crossed the car park into Millennium Park. The attackers rained punches and kicks at the two men before running off.

The 29-year-old was able to call for assistance after the youths fled and both he and his friend were treated at the University Hospital of North Durham.

Initially neither man seemed to have suffered any serious injuries and the 30-year-old was well enough to fly out to Germany the next day.

But while he was away he needed further medical attention, including two scans as it became clear he had suffered a serious head injury.

The victim, a roofer by trade, has now returned to the UK and is recovering at home, although he will be unable to work for several weeks.

PC Tony Miley said the pair had been the victims of an unprovoked attack, adding: “It is thought the group consisted of perhaps up to eight young people, who were presumably from the area. There was no provocation for this, it was a vicious and sickening attack.”

Anyone with information should ring Chester-le-Street police on 0845 6060 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.