Police are appealing for information after a 21-year-old man with learning difficulties was assaulted in Ramsgate and had his phone stolen.
The victim had just got off the Thanet Loop bus and was walking along Highfield Road at around 10.25pm on Wednesday (April 24) when a group of six people walked up behind him and are reported to have punched and kicked him. He suffered cuts and severe bruising and a suspected broken nose and cheek during the ordeal.
A friend of the family told The Isle of Thanet News: “He was knocked unconscious and found by his friend who had come out looking for him as he had just messaged him he was approaching.
“They stole his Samsung S5 mobile that he was listening to music on at the time. Two of the teenagers were riding bicycles and are supposed to have gone off in the direction of Tesco Extra or McDonalds.
“Police and ambulance were called and took him to hospital where he was covered in blood and has lots of cuts and grazes, what looks like a broken nose and cheek around the eye socket. He underwent a scan due to the injuries to his head. He will be staying in under observation as has passed blood some up. When the bruising goes down they will evaluate him again.
“We hope somebody will recognise this gang and inform on them so it cannot happen again to some other innocent passer-by.
“His mother and sister were shocked when they saw him due to the multiple injuries. This was violent and prolonged.“
The attack is the second that the young man has been the victim of in just four months. Just before Christmas he was set upon in Dane Park and ended up needing hospital treatment.
The incident was reported to Kent Police and detectives are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to call 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/78228/19. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A gofundme page has been created by Thanet resident Amanda Priddle in a bid to raise cash and replace the 21-year-old’s phone.
