Sickening attack on teen

Jan 23 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

A TEENAGER was set on fire and had jump leads attached to him in a pub attack.

The 18-year-old, who has asked not to be named, suffered burns to his back and leg after the attack at the Falcon’s Rest in Alnwick on the morning of Sunday, January 11.

The teenager’s father claims the attackers poured sambuca on the boy’s body before lighting it with a match.

He also accused the culprits of attaching jump leads to his son’s back and punching him in the face.

Medical examinations are being carried out today to find out whether the teenager was sexually assaulted with a bottle.

The teenager had been drinking at an all-night party to mark the closure of the pub on Clayport Street. He remembers nothing past 6am.

He woke up naked after the attack and was dressed by friends before leaving the pub around midday.

The teenager was later found by his dad leaning against the family’s car in Alnwick town centre and was taken home to bed.

It was not until the Monday morning that the full extent of his injuries was discovered. The family contacted police and the teenager was taken to Alnwick Infirmary where staff were unable to treat him.

He spent two days in the burns unit at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and may need a skin graft.

The boy’s father said of the attackers: “I think they need help.

“I do not want anybody to go to jail, they need help, torturing somebody like that for however long it went on for.

“That is torture. I am hoping there is something done about it.

“If they have done it once, they might do it to somebody else.”

Police are investigating.

Supt Allan Brown said: “We are making inquiries into an alleged assault at the Falcon’s Rest pub during the early hours of Sunday, January 11.

“An 18-year-old man came into Alnwick police station with injuries on Monday, before being referred to hospital for treatment. He is now back at home.

“The investigation is in its early stages, but he may have suffered these injuries at the Falcon’s Rest after it was closed on Sunday.

“This appears to be a very unusual incident and we are working to establish exactly what happened.”

Local neighbourhood inspector Sue Peart said: “There are lots of rumours and gossip in the town about this incident and we urge anyone with information to contact police.

“This assault happened during a closing down party when the pub was shut and those involved are known to each other.”

Three men, aged 30, 21 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of assault.

They have been bailed until March 16 pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 0345 604-3043.