Police have launched an investigation after an 82-year-old man, who was making his way to Mountbatten Hospice, was knocked unconscious in a violent, unprovoked attack – simply for telling a motorcyclist to slow down.
The truly shocking incident is said to have occurred on Cross Lane in Newport, just off Staplers Road, at around midday on Friday (4th April). The victim has been left injured, shaken and scared.
It’s claimed that the elderly gentleman was crossing over the road from School Lane when a motorcycle approached at speed from the Coppins Bridge direction. The elderly male gestured for the motorcyclist to slow down, believing the vehicle was travelling at speeds in excess of 60mph in a 30mph zone.
Thinking that was the end of the matter, the 82-year-old local continued on his journey to Mountbatten on Halberry Lane – and the motorcyclist continued up the road.
However, it is alleged that the motorcyclist turned around, parked up and ‘hid’ between 2 vehicles to confront the elderly gentleman.
Shockingly, the 82-year-old was punched in the face with such force that it knocked him unconscious. He fell to the floor and sustained injuries to his face, elbow and hand, including bruising and swelling.
The perpetrator fled the scene, leaving the injured gentleman on the pavement. The victim’s family say he was ‘left for dead’.
Residents in the vicinity of Staplers Road, Cross Lane, Halberry Lane and the surrounding estate are being asked to check any CCTV or doorbell footage.
Motorists travelling in the area should also check their dash cam footage.
Inspector Adam Henderson-Parish has said:
“This is shocking incident which involved a completely unprovoked attack on a man in his 80s.
“I fully understand the concern that an incident such as this one will cause within our community and beyond.
“I’d like to reassure you all that our teams are working extremely hard and carrying out extensive enquiries in a bid to establish the full circumstance of the incident.
“As part of our investigation, we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything of the incident, or anyone who was in the area of Cross Lane, School Lane and Staplers Road around the time of the assault.
“Do you have any footage which may assist us in our investigation, including any dash cam, mobile phone, doorbell camera, or any other CCTV?”
Anyone with information should contact Police on 101, quoting 44250148639.
You can also report online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/, or via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
UPDATE @ 18:10 – Police have confirmed that a 42-year-old man from Newport has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/newport-man-arrested-over-violent-attack-on-elderly-male/.
Come on people, let’s get this scum arrested. The biking community don’t want this behaviour and neither do the rest of us.
He will only get community service at worse.
What if he done that to a royal!
I feel bad for bikers, they always get the blame. but when you get arseholes like this your right they do give bikers bad name.
shame on him
Many Motorcyclists don’t know how to
slow down.
Do island motorbikes not have brakes!,
or are they driven by Numpties!
Speeding is rife on the island.
Thesedays lawless uneducated scum
don’t respect law and order.
Needs locking up, also should be sacked by his
employer if he works.
We must set an example of such persons.
please name and shame this cowardly wanker when caught..any details on the bike?
Can I ask that the Police step away from social media and get out there and find this maniac! We have ALL read the same tired old statement “our teams are working extremely hard etc” can we please see some activity and arrest the coward and ask the magistrates to sentence this moron as they would a social media poster…. 4 years minimum would be good.
and the rest.
10 years minimum and no half sentence for good
behaviour.
Typical bloody adrenaline filled biker twat. Speeding and was told to slow down. Hope they find this scumbag.
He will get let off they always do hit and run let off.
robbery let off
police need to catch the arse then the courts need to lock him up
Utterly despicable. A stretch inside HMP might focus his mind and attitude…
Islandwide CCTV and SPEED Camera’s
are needed.
nasty piece of shit what will happen him…nothing but a little tap on the wrist..should go to jail..but wont.
If found guilty this violent yob should definitely be jailed. Hitting anyone is hideous and unacceptable, but with a man in his 80s it could easily kill him, i hope the poor victim gets over this and I wish him well.
If found guilty, the attacker, who clearly has serious aggression issues really should not be allowed to be in charge of a motor vehicle until the authorities are happy that he understands the consequences of his violent behaviour. Motor vehicles are potentially lethal weapons