Witness plea after violent attacks

May 28 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE were this week probing three violent weekend attacks in Hamilton.

On Wednesday, a police spokeswoman said they couldn’t rule out that they attacks may have been connected to Sunday’s dramatic Old Firm SPL title deciders in which Rangers secured the league trophy.

In the first savage incident, a 54-year-old man suffered a severe eye and eyebrow injury after being assaulted by four thugs in Fraser Crescent on Sunday at about 5.30pm.

He was struck on the head with a weapon after being confronted by the group. The attackers then ran off.

Police have a description of one of them. He is said to be aged between 20 and 24 and was wearing a polo shirt with white and blue hoops.

Ninety minutes later, in a separate incident, a man was battered in Mill Road. The 26-year-old suffered facial injuries after being punched and kicked by two men.

He was taken to Monklands Hospital, where he was given treatment for his injuries.

The first suspect is described as aged 16 and 18 and wearing a blue t-shirt.

His accomplice was described as aged 18 to 20, with dark brown shaven hair, and he was about 5ft. 5ins. tall. He was wearing a white t-shirt.

Detective constable Christine McLanachan, of Hamilton CID, has appealed for witnesses to the incidents to come forward.

“These were nasty and unprovoked attacks that have left both men badly injured,” she said.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the suspects hanging around prior to the incidents to contact me.”

Meanwhile, detectives have appealed for the public’s help in tracking down the men behind a vicious and unprovoked attack on a 23-year-old in Woodhead Green.

The man suffered a head injury after being attacked at 5.55pm.

He was taken to Hairmyres Hospital for treatment and has since been released and is now recovering at home.

Police have no description of the suspects or how many people were involved in the serious assault.

Detective constable Paul McDougall, of Hamilton CID, said: “This unprovoked attack has left a 23-year-old man injured and badly shaken.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area of Woodhead Green around the time of the incident and may able to assist with our enquiries to contact me immediately.”

Several pubs in Hamilton town centre shut their doors at 9pm on Sunday in a bid to avert any trouble connected to the Old Firm games.

Anyone with information on the above incidents should contact Hamilton CID on 483300, or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where calls are free and anonymity can be maintained.