Gang attack on pub-goer

Apr 10 2007 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

AN elderly man was brutally attacked as he walked home from a pub.

The 64-year-old victim was left dazed and bleeding heavily with head and facial injuries after the assault in Blackheath.

Det Con Timothy Gee, of Smethwick CID, said the attack took place at about 11.15pm last Thursday in Short Street, Blackheath.

Details of the incident were only released yesterday by police.

Mr Gee said the man had been drinking in the Vine pub in nearby High Street when he was hit over the head from behind.

The victim fell to the ground and was then kicked repeatedly about the face and head by three men, who rifled through his pockets and stole £40. The gang then ran off towards Henderson Way, leaving the man semi-conscious on the ground.

Det Con Gee said the unnamed victim had been detained in hospital since the vicious attack and was awaiting surgery on his nose, which was badly broken in the assault.

Det Con Gee said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack on a defenceless, elderly man.

"He suffered nasty facial injuries, must have an operation to repair the damage to his badly injured nose, and we want to catch the people who did this to him as soon as possible.''

Police are anxious to speak to a passer-by who witnessed the attack and rang 999 on a mobile phone.

The witness and anyone else with any information on the incident is asked to contact Smethwick CID on 0845 113 5000.