Vicious attack on deaf Worksop man

A WORKSOP police chief has condemned a brutal town centre attack which left a deaf man with horrific facial injuries.

Michael Boyle, 52, suffered a broken eye socket and fractured jaw after he was attacked by three men on Bridge Place on Sunday 16th December.

Inspector Steve Cartwright said he was ‘sickened’ by the assault, which left Mr Boyle ‘vulnerable’ and ‘disorientated’.

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“My initial reaction is one of horror that people in our community could commit an act of violence and cause an injury to someone who was just on his way home,” he said.

“Mr Boyle is deaf and his attackers knocked out his cochlear implants, leaving him in a very vulnerable state which caused him a lot of concern and upset.”

Police said Mr Boyle was walking along Bridge Place, near to the mini-roundabout at the junction of Gateford Road and Sandy Lane, at around 8pm when he was set upon from behind by three men.

He was punched in the face and after falling to the floor continued to be kicked by the men. They then fled the scene.

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Insp Cartwright said this was a completely ‘senseless’ attack on an innocent man.

“We don’t know what the motive was and there were no signs of attempted burglary,” he said.

“We are keeping an open mind at the moment and investigating all lines of enquiry.”

“There is no town centre CCTV footage of that area but we are reviewing footage from neighbouring commercial properties to look for any evidence which we hope will help us to find those responsible.”

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Along with the broken eye socket, Mr Boyle suffered swelling and bruising to his face, as well as a fractured jaw which needs specialist hospital treatment.

Insp Cartwright said Mr Boyle has been left ‘severely’ traumatised by his ordeal and is currently resting at his Worksop home with his wife.

“He is very traumatised by the incident and confused as to why he was the subject of his vicious attack. It has left him very shaken and reduced his confidence which is going to take him a long time to get back,” he said.

“I would urge anyone who saw the attack or who has any information to come forward. Bridge Place is quite a busy road at that time and someone must have seen what happened.”

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He added: “We want to bring this callous individuals to account and ensure they are brought to justice before the courts.

Comments from shocked Worksop Guardian readers about the attack have flooded on to our Facebook site.

Michelle Bennett said she was disgusted to learn about the brutal assault.

“Nothing surprises me in this town. Three blokes attacking one man and an elderly one at that,” she said.

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“There really are some sick and vile scum walking the streets in this town. What was even their motive? I hope they find the low life breeds who did this.”

Witnesses or anyone with any information about the identity of the attackers should call Notts Police on 101, quoting incident 747 of the 16th December 2012, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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