Police are appealing for witnesses and information following an assault that left a man in a coma in Richmond on Friday 10th December - a CleanSweep day in the town centre.

Police were alerted at approx. 23.20hrs when a member of the public informed two officers in the vicinity that there had been a fight outside O'Neill's Public House leaving a man unconscious. Officers administered first aid to the male victim until London Ambulance Service attended and took the man to a local hospital.

The victim was diagnosed with a head injury that caused a bleed to the brain that required an emergency operation. He remains in a hospital-induced coma at this time with his condition described as serious but stable.

Police are seeking two girls who, up until immediately before the incident, were seen with the men walking down George Street, and are asking them to come forward.

They are described as:

Female 1
Late teens. White Tall and slim. Long brown hair. Waist length brown jacket with scarf and blue jeans. White top. Carrying brown handbag with lighter patterned face. Boots

Female 2.
Late teens. Dark complexion. Shorter but still slim. Long dark hair. Long black ankle length coat. Carrying black handbag.

It is believed that the 21-yr-old victim had been drinking with his 18-yr-old nephew and other family members in the Orange Tree Public House, Richmond from about 8pm-8.30pm. During the evening it appears that they both had brief exchanges of words with separate groups of people in the pub and left shortly before the incident.

Upon leaving they made their way south along to The Quadrant, towards the town centre pausing briefly as they reached a bus stop outside the Royal Bank of Scotland. Here they appeared to withdraw some cash before continuing southbound towards the town centre. It is at this time that it appears two fights breakout between the victim and his nephew and two males heading north, with the victim fighting one and his nephew the other.

Whilst this fight occurred, the second fight between the victim's nephew and the second male takes place closer to the bus stop outside 'Spec Savers'. A male passer by breaks up this fight, and the 2nd male then makes his way north again stopping briefly for the 1st male to catch up.

Twickenham CID is investigating the assault and an open mind is being kept as regards a motive for the fight at this time. The descriptions of the 2 males involved are that they are both white. One is described having short dark hair, of medium build and medium to tall height, aged in his 20's. The second is shorter, with short hair wearing a dark jacket and a red T-shirt. Again in his 20's.

DI Tim Dobson said: "I am making a direct appeal to two of the males involved in this attack to contact police. It is possible that they may be unaware of the consequences of this incident.

"We would also like to speak to anyone who was in the area at this time and may have seen this incident. We have spoken to a number of people, but must ensure that all those who may have been present are identified "

Anybody with any information that may assist the investigation should call Twickenham Police on 020 8607 9199. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

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