‘Hammer gang’ put man in hospital (From Ledbury Reporter)

‘Hammer gang’ put man in hospital

8:25am Friday 27th April 2012 in News By Gary Bills-Geddes

A MAN has been left with a shattered eye socket and a broken leg after being set upon by several armed attackers in a “vicious”

assault in Ledbury.

The victim – a Ledbury man in his early 50s – was attacked in Lawnside Road at about 11.30pm on Monday, April 23.

Local residents, who do not wish to be named, said more than 10 police cars arrived at the scene shortly after the attack, saying a man had been set upon by several assailants carrying what they thought were sledgehammers.

Police could not confirm whether the men were armed but said the victim had been subjected to a “nasty assault”.

Chris Ammonds, West Mercia Police spokesman, said the victim was set upon outside some flats in the road, or in a stairwell.

He said: “This was quite a nasty and vicious incident, and we are keen to trace the individuals concerned as soon as we can.

“He had a fractured eye socket and a broken leg.”

Police are following up reports that three or four men were seen running from the scene at about 9.30pm.

One of them was described as being white, 20 years of age, with a goatee beard. Officers are also studying CCTV footage.

Forensics officers were on the scene helping with the search for clues and police are appealing for more witnesses to come forward.

Ambulance crews reported the victim suffered a suspected broken ankle, and possible fractures to his legs and one eye socket.

He was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further assessment and treatment, and he remains there.

A man and a woman have been arrested and released on police bail.