A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault following an incident in Southport on Saturday night (1st June) which has left a 51-year-old man in a critical condition.
At about 10.40pm officers on patrol in Southport spotted a disturbance on Lord Street and saw a man lying on the floor. When they got out of the patrol car the officers discovered the man was unconscious. It turned out that the victim and his two sons had been to a pub nearby to watch the Champions League Final and where on their way home when they were attacked by a group of men near to the Scarisbrick Hotel.
The 51-year-old victim, who comes from Bulgaria, is believed to have been knocked to the floor and assaulted. One of his sons, aged 28 years from Southport, was also assaulted and suffered facial injuries.
Both men were taken to Aintree Hospital for treatment. The father’s condition is described as critical.
Crime scene investigators have carried out forensic examinations at the scene and officers have carried out extensive inquiries locally. CCTV footage will also be examined in a bid to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Detectives are also looking at the possibility that this assault may be linked to another assault at the Potting Shed bar and restaurant on Lord Street shortly before this incident. A 32-year-old male was assaulted outside the restaurant. He suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital where he was treated.
Detective Inspector Gary Stratton, said: “Our investigation into this incident continues and we remain very keen to speak to anyone with any information that could assist our enquiries.
“This was a vicious attack on a father and his two sons as they were making their way home after watching the Champions League final in a local pub. The investigation is in its early stages and at this time detectives are trying to ascertain the motive for the attack.
“Southport was busy on Saturday night as a result of the football and I would urge anyone who was in the Lord Street area, near to the Scarisbrick Hotel, who witnessed the incident and has yet to come forward, or who has any mobile phone footage to get in touch.
“I would also ask those who may have been driving it the area at the time to please check and send in any dashcam footage. You may have captured the incident, or people making off from the scene and your footage could prove vital.
“A number of people also spoke to officers who were first at the scene of this assault, but they didn’t leave their details. I would ask them to come forward as they could have crucial information.
“A 51-year-old man has been left in a critical condition and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice. We know it was a busy time of day with many people in the area and anyone with any information, no matter how small is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting reference 1149 of 1 June 2019, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or @CrimestoppersUK.”
The arrested male, who is from the Southport area, was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug, is in police custody, where he is being interviewed by detectives.
OTS News on Social Media