Man, 52, traumatised by ‘vicious’ attack in West Hampstead
Police are appealing for information after a 52-year-old man was attacked in West Hampstead. Picture: Met Police - Credit: Archant
A “vicious” and unprovoked attack has left a man hospitalised and temporarily unable to speak.
Colin Flett was found unconscious in Skardu Road, West Hampstead, by paramedics at about 11.30pm on Friday, July 7.
However, the assault was not reported until days later with Colin spending several weeks unable to speak about the ordeal to either family or the officers waiting to interview him.
Mr Flett’s sister told police he had been drinking in The Beaten Docket pub in Cricklewood Broadway on the night in question.
While sitting outside he bought a blue Reebok bicycle from a man he had not met before.
He left on the bike and turned into Skardu Road, where he remembers encountering three men who pushed him off. He was unable to recall any more details.
As a result, the 52-year-old sustained a spinal injury and medical staff assessed him as needing a long period of recovery in hospital.
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Det Sgt Richard Greenwood said: “This was a vicious attack that has left Colin with life-changing injuries, in a very vulnerable state, and has had a devastating effect on his family.
“We would urgently ask any person with information, however inconsequential they may think it is, to come forward and pass this to us directly or via a third party. They will be treated in complete confidence.”
The men who attacked Colin are all described as being white and aged between 20 to 30.
Anyone with information can call the unit’s CID number on 0766 781 861 on or 101 or Tweet @MetCC.
Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.