Police seek park attack clues as victim clings to life (From St Helens Star)

Police seek park attack clues as victim clings to life

8:00am Thursday 5th June 2008

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THE victim of a savage gang beating in Sherdley Park remained in a critical condition in hospital today.

Twelve days on from the attack, the 18-year-old from Widnes is being kept under sedation in a specialist unit for head injuries in Walton, Liverpool, where members of his devastated family are said to be keeping a beside vigil as he continues his fight for life.

The victim, whose name has not been been released by police, was allegedly stamped upon during the ordeal, has undergone surgery to relieve pressure on his brain caused by the horiffic injuries.

He was among a group of friends from Widnes who were flying his model helicopter in the park when they were set upon by a mob near the Pets Corner area of Sherdley Park, on the evening of Thursday, May 22.

A major inquiry being run from St Helens police station has so far seen ten youths from St Helens arrested over the violence which also resulted in another youth from Widnes suffering facial injuries and three others being hurt.

Three 16-year-old girls - as well as six boys (three aged 16 and three 17) were questioned on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent before being released on police bail. A 15-year-old girl arrested in connection with violent disorder has also been bailed.

It is understood police are investigating whether a series of assaults took place throughout a half hour period that evening. Superintendent Peter Edge, from the police in St Helens, has described the attack as cowardly and unprovoked.

Police inaccurately released the victim's age as 17 last week.

• Anyone who was in Sherdley Park between 7.30pm and 8.30pm and who may have information is asked to call St Helens CID on 0151 777 1577 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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