Police appeal over Hunstanton assaults
Published: 1:51 PM August 1, 2007
CHRIS BISHOP Police are appealing for witnesses to two serious assaults in Hunstanton to come forward.The attacks happened in the Seagate Road and South Beach areas of the resort in the early hours of Monday, July 23 and Sunday, July 29.
CHRIS BISHOP
Police are appealing for witnesses to two serious assaults in Hunstanton to come forward.
The attacks happened in the Seagate Road and South Beach areas of the resort in the early hours of Monday, July 23 and Sunday, July 29.
One victim suffered a broken nose and jaw and another is being treated for a blood clot to the brain.
Investigating officer Det Con Chris Parnham said: "On both occasions, the victims were making their back to their holiday accommodation when they were set upon by part of a large group.
"We know there were a lot of people in the area on both occasions and we are asking them now to be brave and tell us what they know or may have heard about these incidents since."
One man has been arrested in relation to the first incident, which happened in Seagate Road between 12.20am and 12.35am on July 23.
The 19-year-old victim from Cambridgeshire was walking back from the town with a friend when he was assaulted by at least two of a group of a half a dozen males.
He was left lying in the road having suffered a broken nose, broken jaw and numerous cuts and bruises to his body and spent several days in hospital being treated.
A 22-year-old man from Norwich was arrested the following day on suspicion of wounding with intent and is currently on police bail pending further enquiries.
It is believed that at least one other male was involved in this assault and officers are aware of a number of witnesses who have yet to come forward.
The most recent assault occurred between midnight and 12.30am on Sunday, as the 19-year-old victim, also from Cambridgeshire, walked with a friend along South Beach Road at the junction with Seagate Road.
The pair were approached by a group of around a dozen males aged between 15 and 19, some of whom launched an unprovoked assault. While one of the friends fought back, the victim was beaten and suffered injuries to his face and head. It was after being taken to hospital for treatment that the life-threatening blood clot to the brain was discovered and he is now in a "serious but stable" condition at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, where he may face surgery.
Det Con Parnham said: "These are both very severe assaults resulting in serious and life-threatening injuries. Hunstanton is busy at this time of year and we know there were groups of both locals and visitors in the area at the time.
"We also know people have been talking about these incidents since and must know or have an idea of the identity of the males responsible.
"We need those people to contact us as soon as possible, in confidence, and tell us what they saw."
Hunstanton Inspector Dave Chilvers said: "Assaults such as these are rare in Hunstanton which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors over the summer period who can usually expect a safe and enjoyable holiday.
"Policing levels are increased at the busiest times to reflect this surge in population and while crime remains low, we would always remind people to be aware of personal safety and security."
Any witnesses to these incidents are asked to contact Det Con Parnham or Det Con Richard Moden at King's Lynn CID on 0845 456 4567. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to police by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.