Schoolboy arrested for attempted murder after Eastbourne street attack (From The Argus)

Schoolboy arrested for attempted murder after Eastbourne street attack

10:13am Friday 17th August 2012 in News

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested for attempted murder after a man was attacked in Eastbourne

The man is fighting for his life after being set upon by a gang of teenagers outside his local corner shop.

The schoolboy is currently helping officers with their enquiries, Sussex Police confirmed today.

The 46-year-old from Eastbourne  has been left with life-threatening head injuries after he was punched and kicked outside the Premier grocery shop in The Hydneye, Eastbourne just before 9pm last night.

He was knocked unconscious during the vicious attack and is now being treated at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

He had gone to the Premier grocery shop and tied up his two dogs outside but when he left the shop he became involved in an altercation with a group of teenage boys. 

Detective Chief Inspector Nick May from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team is leading the investigation.

He said: "I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of the Hydneye between 7pm and 10pm and who may have information about this violent assault to contact us.

"In particular did you notice a disturbance or a group of teenagers causing a nuisance outside the Premier store during that time?

 "This was a vicious attack which has left this man fighting for his life.

“We know there were a number of people in the area at the time and would appeal to them to come forward with information.

"If you know who these teenagers are or have any details that may help our investigation please contact detectives on 101 quoting Operation Delaware.”

Chief Inspector Jayne Dando, Eastbourne District Commander, said: "This tragic incident has shocked the community. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family.

"My neighbourhood officers know the community well. Over the coming days we will be available to address concerns that residents' may have and reassure them that such a violent incident is very unusual.

"We will continue to be visible and will be working tirelessly to keep people informed about what we're doing and to gather any information that could prove useful.

"The power of the community and police working together with partners is invaluable and I would encourage anyone who has any information, however small, to contact us by calling 101 or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."