Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses after a firefighter was attacked by a gang of moped riders after getting into a verbal altercation with them outside of Tesco’s in Littlehampton (Sussex).
The LittlehamptonGazette.co.uk reported how the firefighter, who was off-duty but in uniform at the time of the incident, was confronted by a group of unknown males who were all riding mopeds.
During the altercation, the 62-year-old firefighter was struck with a helmet and a ‘tool’ which caused him to fall to the ground.
The individuals responsible for the assault then made off from the scene whilst members of the public assisted the firefighter until his colleagues in the emergency services arrived.
A spokesperson for the fire service told reporters from the L that: “we can confirm that one of our firefighters was assaulted in Littlehampton on Monday (1st Oct) night.
“Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time and we wish him a speedy recovery,
“We are absolutely appalled by this incident, and Sussex Police are currently investigating.”
A statement on the Sussex Police website said:
“Police are appealing for witnesses after an off-duty firefighter was assaulted in Littlehampton.
“The incident occurred in the car park of Tesco, in Broad Piece, about 10.10pm on Monday (1 October).
“The victim is reported to have been involved in a verbal altercation with three moped riders, who then struck him to the head with a helmet and a metal tool, causing him to fall to the ground.
“The suspects then made off from the scene, and members of the public assisted until emergency services arrived.
“The victim, a 62-year-old local man, was taken to Worthing Hospital with head injuries. We will not be disclosing his identity.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Greg Brown, said: “This was a despicable attack which left a man in need of hospital treatment for serious injuries. Thankfully, he has since been discharged, however we are determined to trace those responsible.
“Enquiries are ongoing, and we are urging anyone who saw what happened to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1332 of 01/10.”
If you know anything about what happened, then please contact the police so that the individuals responsible for this attack can be tracked down.
Even though the firefighter was not on duty at the time, it is reported that he was in his uniform so the individuals responsible for this attack ought to have known that the male they were beating was a member of the emergency services family.
Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Written by one of the many admins of Emergency Services Humour who is also a regular blogger in our fortnightly eMagazine ’S__ts & Giggles’ which you can sign up to by visiting our Facebook page and clicking on the ‘sign up’ button or by visiting: ShitsAndGiggles.Online
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No excuse, but Police officers were told not to wear uniform to/from work years ago, similarly SOME Ambulance staff, we were/are seen as an extension of the state by many. So much so in some areas Ambulance staff have been advised not to display anything that might link them to their job, in part as terrorists see Ambulance staff as a key target to enhance their kill ratio during major attacks. Perhaps the Fire service should start doing the same, no uniform off duty, i.e. stop painting a target on yourself.
As for the scrotes, one can only hope they are found and dealt with ‘appropriately’…