Pensioner critically ill after assault in Parkgate

Dec 17 2008 By Chris Smith

A PENSIONER is critically-ill in hospital after being punched in the face in Parkgate.

The 67-year-old man, who sustained a fractured cheekbone in the attack, was later found collapsed at his home.

He was rushed to hospital for an operation to remove a blood clot from his brain, and remains there in a serious condition.

The initial attack happened as he was walking with his wife along The Parade, Parkgate, at 8.50pm on Friday, November 14.

"He had cause to speak to two youths who were shouting and swearing," said Cheshire Constabulary spokeswoman Jacqui Hanson.

"He asked them to stop their behaviour and was confronted by the youths.

"Without warning, one of the youths struck the man in the head, causing him to have a fractured cheekbone.

"The man fell to the floor and the youths ran away along The Parade in the direction of Neston.

"He reported the incident to us, and we began an investigation. It was initially thought that his injuries weren’t that serious."

But Mrs Hanson said the incident turned serious when, on December 8, the victim was taken to hospital after being found collapsed at home.

She explained: "He had an operation to remove a clot from his brain.

"The man remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition."

Both youths were white. One was aged about 19, 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with an unshaven face and wearing a black hoodie.

The other was around the same age, 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build wearing a white hoodie.

Detective Sergeant Jason Carr, based at Ellesmere Port Police Station, said: "We are appealing for witnesses to the initial attack and also to anyone who recognises the descriptions of these youths.

"It doesn’t matter how trivial you think your information is, we want to hear from you."

DS Carr, who is investigating the matter with DC James Hendry, can be contacted on 01244 613258. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.