Knocked out by crutch in city attack

Dec 30 2008 by Jon Tunney, The Journal

POLICE are hunting a man who attacked an innocent bystander with a crutch.

The victim was walking along Pilgrim Street, in Newcastle city centre talking on his mobile phone when he saw his attacker who was in front of him walking with the aid of a crutch.

The man was shouting and swearing at a woman he was with.

Then, without warning or provocation, he turned around and attacked the other man as he chatted on his phone.

He struck him twice in the face, either with his fist or the crutch and the victim was knocked unconscious.

The man and woman then made off, leaving the crutch at the scene.

The victim suffered a deep cut to the top of his head, cuts to his face and pain and swelling to his jaw.

The attack happened at around 1am on Thursday, October 2.

Police would now like to speak to a man, who they describe as being 5ft 8in to 5ft 11in tall, white, of medium build and aged between 25 and 30 years old.

At the time of the attack he had short brown hair and was wearing a short sleeved white shirt, dark jeans and sandals.

He was walking with the aid of a single elbow crutch.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting recon 124-08.