27-year-old needs surgery - detectives hunt culprit

A 27-year-old from Sidmouth needed surgery after he was slammed through a shop window by a complete stranger in an unprovoked late-night attack.

The victim suffered serious injuries – including a severed tendon in his hand - when he was assaulted in Radway Place while walking home after a night out with friends.

Detectives this week appealed for residents’ help in catching the culprit and are keen to identify a gang of around four or five men.

The incident took place in the early hours of last Sunday, March 11.

Police said the offender jumped on the 27-year-old’s back, punched him in the face, and pushed him through the glass front window of C and C Electrical. The victim’s injuries also included a black eye and cuts to his face.

DC Claire Ware, of Honiton CID, said she would appreciate any information which could help identify the person responsible for what she described as a “completely unprovoked attack”.

She said: “The victim had been enjoying a night out in Sidmouth and was walking home with a friend at around 2.45am.

“As they walked along Radway Place, they noticed a group of four or five white males shouting in the middle of the road.

“They continued walking, when suddenly the victim was punched in the face by one of the group.

“He was then pushed with considerable force through a shop window, which smashed, causing the young man injuries to his face and severe injuries to his hands, which have required surgery.”

Carlton Leworthy, a partner at C and C Electrical, had to go to the shop at around 4am following the incident and said some stock was damaged.

“There was a fair hole in the window - and it’s proper glass,” he said.

“It was lucky the injuries weren’t even worse.

“It was an inconvenience to us, but our thought are with the victim. It’s not nice at all.

“It’s a sad reflection that someone can’t walk home from a night out.”

Witnesses can contact DC Ware by calling 101, extension 2609, or Crimestoppers - in confidence - on 0800 555111. Crime reference: KS/12/146.