Hooded attacker hunted after'sickening assault' on cyclist

Paul Jeeves

THE victim of an unprovoked attack in a Yorkshire city spoke of his shock yesterday after he was badly beaten by a hooded assailant.

Detectives from North Yorkshire Police have released a photograph showing the extent of Ralph Ensbury’s injuries, which left him needing extensive hospital treatment, in the hope that the shocking image will help track down his attacker.

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The officer leading the inquiry, Det Con Alan Williams, said the attack was “one of the most sickening assaults” which he had investigated.

Mr Ensbury, 52, from York, added: “I just can’t understand what would make a person attack me like this and leave me with these injuries. I haven’t done anything wrong to them.”

He was attacked after finishing work at a hotel while riding his bike home between midnight and 1am on Sunday along a cycle path towards Clifton.

As he reached Yearsley Bridge, near the junction of Crichton Avenue and Wigginton Road, he was attacked by another man and left with numerous facial injuries, including a broken nose.

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Mr Ensbury has had to have metal plates inserted into his face during surgery at York Hospital, and has also had dozens of stitches. Police have not disclosed if anything was stolen.

Det Con Williams, who is based with York CID, said: “This is one of the most sickening assaults that I have had to investigate and I can find no reason or motive for such an unprovoked attack.

“Someone knows the person who is responsible and I would urge them to look at these injuries, search their conscience and give me a name of that person.

“The victim is still very shaken up by this incident, but he has bravely allowed us to show his injuries to help trace the person responsible.”

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Mr Ensbury’s attacker has been described as white, about 6ft and thin. At the time of the attack he was wearing dark coloured trousers and a black hooded top, with the hood raised.

He was walking a dog at the time of the attack, which is described as medium-sized and pale brown.

Anyone with information about the attack can contact Mr Williams at Fulford Road Police Station on 01904 669353 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.