Man, 40, suffers life-threatening injuries following 'street attack' in Penzance

Police think footage may have been recorded on mobiles and have issued an urgent appeal

Author: Emma HartPublished 16th Aug 2021
Last updated 16th Aug 2021

A 40-year-old man has suffered life-threatening injuries after what police have described as a serious assault in Penzance.

He is said to have been approached by a group of adults and children as he walked through the town, before being assaulted, forced to the ground and kicked.

The casualty was rushed to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, before being transferred to Derriford.

The incident happened in the Market Jew Street area, shortly before 4am on Sunday (15th August).

Detectives believe footage might have been recorded on mobile phones.

They have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses and asked the parents of any young people who were in the area at the time to get in touch.

Devon & Cornwall Police said: “Detectives are appealing for witnesses to a serious assault in Penzance after a 40-year-old man sustained a fracture to the skull and other life threatening injuries.

“Devon and Cornwall Police received a report that at around 3:48am on Sunday 15 August 2021, a man had been seriously assaulted in the Market Jew Street area of Penzance.

“It was reported that the victim had been walking in the town centre before being approached by a group made up of adults and children.

“Following an altercation, the victim was assaulted and forced to the ground where he was then subject to repeated kicks to his body.

“The victim was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital before being transferred to Derriford Hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition”.

'Despicable act of violence', say detectives

Detective Inspector Glenn Willcocks, of Cornwall CID, said: “This was a despicable act of violence that has left the victim sedated and in a serious condition.

“It is believed recorded footage of the incident may exists on mobile telephones. I would particularly like to hear from anyone who was using the town at this time and witnessed events.

“There is likely to be a significant police presence in the area throughout the day while forensic teams examine the scene”.

Police added: “Officers are also appealing to the parents of any young people whose children may have been in the area at the time to get in touch.

“Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting incident 213 of 15 August.

“Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org”.

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