CCTV clues in hunt for street attackers who fractured victim’s skull

The incident occurred at around 3.30am on Sunday, February 12 when a fight broke out inside Capone’s Takeaway on New Briggate in Leeds city centre.

It left Stewart Mitchell, 35, needing metal plates and screws in his skull to repair the damage.

Mr Mitchell from Ossett, near Wakefield was attempting to shield his partner from the violence when he was struck from the side with such force that his forehead was fractured.

Two other men, who were not connected to Mr Mitchell, were also injured in the incident.

A 22-year-old man from Bingley, near Bradford, suffered a broken nose and fractured cheekbone and a 33-year-old man from Shipley, near Bradford, sustained facial injuries including a black eye and swollen nose.

Following the assault the 35-year-old victim had to undergo surgery in which a series of metallic plates and over 20 screws were inserted into his forehead and he spent a week in hospital.

Pc Deborah Box, from Holbeck police station, said: “This was an appalling attack on a man who was simply trying to shield his partner and her female friend from violence.

“The ferocity and cowardly nature of the blow, which was struck while Mr Mitchell had his back to the fight, resulted in significant injury and could still have been much worse.

“In particular, we are appealing for anyone who recognises two males from the footage: one wearing a light coloured cream sweatshirt who is seen trying to get back into the takeaway, and what appears to be a male acquaintance wearing a red and white hooped T-shirt.”

PC Box added: “I would though ask anyone who recognises themselves from the CCTV footage or has any information about the incident to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency and give us their account of what took place.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Volume Crime Unit based at Holbeck police station by calling 101. Alternatively information can be given, anonymously and in confidence, through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.