Arrests made following unprovoked attack on elderly man in Basingstoke
Detectives in Basingstoke have arrested two teenagers and a 21-year-old man in connection with an assault on elderly man in the Popley area of the town.
A 72-year-old man was driving along Tewkesbury Close between 6.45pm and 6.55pm on Monday, January 31, in his gold Citroen C4, to collect a takeaway meal.
The man saw three youths walking in the road towards Popley Way and took action to avoid them, driving onto the opposite side of the carriageway. As he drove alongside the youths he heard a bang to the nearside of his vehicle and stopped to see what had happened.
As he undid his seatbelt, one of the group opened the driver’s side door, punched the man to the face and dragged him from his vehicle.
The victim was then punched a further five to six times before he managed to get back into his car and drive away. His injuries included a broken left arm, deep cuts to the nose, black eyes, and bruising and swelling across his face.
The offside wing mirror to his vehicle was also damaged during the assault.
Detective Constable Drew Wright of Basingstoke CID, said: “This was a disgraceful act of aggression on an elderly man, who was simply going about his business.
“We have had lots of information from members of the public so far, but would like to re-appeal to anyone who saw this incident or has any information about it, to get in contact.
“We are aware of discussions on social networking sites about this incident and would urge anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it seems, to contact us.”
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Drew Wright, at Basingstoke CID, on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 0845 045 45 45. To contact an officer please select the following link www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/contact/message_officer.htm
Notes to Editors –
Two 17-year-old boys from Basingstoke and a 21-year-old man also from Basingstoke have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and are currently in police custody.
