Man hospitalised after "happy slapping" attack at Newbury's Retrofest

Man punched to the floor and assaulted while another filmed attack on mobile phone

A 54-year old man was hospitalised after a savage attack at Newbury’s Retrofest by a gang of three men who filmed the attack on a mobile phone.

On Saturday at 8.30pm the victim of the apparent "happy slapping” attack was walking near to the Rock n Roll Boulevard when one man started to shout at him.

He was then punched and pushed to the ground while a second man assaulted him, as a third filmed the attack on a green mobile phone.

The victim sustained facial injuries including black eyes and bruising and was taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.

The victim’s friend, a 51-year old man, was also assaulted during the assault.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and have released descriptions of two of the men.

The first is described as white, aged in his twenties, 5ft 10, of large build and with dark, brown hair. He was wearing a blue and black striped shirt.

The second is white, aged in his twenties, 6ft to 6ft 2ins, of large build and with dark, brown hair. He was wearing a similar blue and black striped shirt.

Investigating Officer PC Ian Foley from Newbury local CID said: “I would like to speak to anyone who saw this group of people in the fairground or anyone who witnessed the assault.

“It is thought that the incident was filmed by one of the offenders, so I would like to hear from anyone who has seen this footage, or who knows of any comments made on social media.

“Please contact me via the 101 number.”