23/06/2008

Co Down Attack Slammed

A 65-year-old man has sustained serious head and facial injuries after a gang of four launched an unprovoked attack on him and his family.

The victim, his wife, their son and another woman were walking along the Newtownards Road in Comber around 1am yesterday when they were approached by four young men.

The gang launched a vicious assault on the group as they walked passed a petrol station.

The man tried to defend his family from the brutal onslaught and as a result he was punched and kicked to the ground.

He was rushed to hospital where he is currently being treated for fractures to his face and head.

The man's wife was also injured in the attack and sustained a cut to her face.

Following the brutal attack, the gang fled the scene and ran towards Comber town centre.

Alderman Margaret Craig said she hoped the injured man made a full recovery from his injuries.

The DUP woman said: "Everyone has the right to walk the streets at night and get home safely without ending up in hospital because of the actions of others.

"I know there is a culture - and it's not just in Comber - which seems to be when drinking establishments empty at a certain time of night then trouble kicks off and people end up attacked and injured for no reason whatsoever.

"My thoughts are with this man and his family at this time and I hope he makes a full recovery."

Police in Newtownards are investigating the early morning attack and have urged anyone with information to contact them on 0845 600 8000.

(BMcC)

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