Worthing town centre attack victim 'lucky to be alive'

The 20-year-old man was attacked at around 1.30am on Saturday, May 31, outside Waterstone's bookshop in the Montague Centre.

Click here to see video of police searching the area for evidence.

He was badly beaten by a group of teenage boys, who stopped and fled when they were spotted by police officers on foot patrol.

Two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and released on police bail until June 20.

The victim was rushed to Worthing Hospital, where he was placed in intensive care suffering severe head injuries.

Life savers

His mother, who asked not to be named, said she believed the police officers saved her son's life.

She said: "It's his 21st birthday in two weeks.

"If it hadn't been for the police, I think we would have been arranging the funeral now. I'm eternally grateful to them and the other emergency services.

"I don't know what's going on in the world.

"It seems to be more commonplace.

"I think there's a few deterrents need putting in the system.

"From youngsters' perspective, they often refer to the police with derogatory terms, yet who are the first people we call when something happens?"

She said her son was improving slowly, but still faced the possibility of brain surgery to reduce swelling.

She said: "His speech was slurred and he was very drowsy, which the doctors said they would keep an eye on.

"Hopefully, he will continue to recover now."

Appeal

Anyone with any information should contact Worthing CID on 0845 60 70 999, ext 81426, quoting Operation Gracehill, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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