Greenock Telegraph | News | Horror attack in mall

Tuesday, 14th October, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 16th July, 2008 12:00

Horror attack in mall

By Lorraine Tinney

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Image related to story, see caption or article text

Mall beat: Extra police will be patrolling the mall after recent attacks.

Pic by: George Munro

CALLOUS thugs broke an elderly man’s jaw simply because he tried to get past them in a shopping centre.

The teenage gang attacked the 59-year-old following an argument in Greenock’s Oak Mall on Monday afternoon.

They punched and kicked him in the face and body shattering his jaw and breaking his wrist near Greggs bakers — as shocked shoppers looked on.

Security guards went to his aid and an ambulance was called to take him to hospital shortly after 2.30pm.

Detective Inspector John Dearie said: “This was a cowardly attack by a group of four youths on a single elderly man.

“It was totally unprovoked. This man was going about his business and when he tried to get past them, words were exchanged and they assaulted him from behind. It is dreadful that this kind of attack went on in broad daylight.”

The man was detained in hospital and has been referred for specialist treatment.

Shocked shopkeepers in the centre slammed the yobs’ actions yesterday.

Anne Hughes, sales assistant in Pound Express, said: “It’s ridiculous that a 59-year-old has been attacked. It’s shocking, but I see people in here drunk early in the day. It’s terrible — things are getting worse in Greenock.”

The assistant manager in Internacionale, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s a disgrace. One of my staff was threatened in the shop on Saturday but the security staff are brilliant in here and they will do anything to help you.”

Police are currently reviewing CCTV and are keen to speak to witnesses who may have seen the four men, who are in their late 20s and were wearing casual clothes.

DI Dearie added: “There are at least 20 people that are witnesses to this and we are keen for them to identify these persons.”

Anyone with information should call Greenock police on 492500, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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