Lingerie firm boss in fight
for life

THE wealthy founder of a top lingerie firm whose underwear is a favourite of celebrities was fighting for his life yesterday after he was bludgeoned in an attempt to steal his £180,000 Bentley.

Last week the Yorkshire Post reported that a 78-year-old man had been attacked in a Sheffield park by a man who had tried to take the keys to his prestige car.

Yesterday it was revealed the victim was Anthony Power, the founder of underwear manufacturer Panache – whose products are worn by Hollywood star Scarlett Johannson and TV presenter Holly Willoughby.

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Mr Power had gone to the park to look for his missing brother when the robber tried to steal the keys of his Bentley Continental saloon which has a personalised number plate.

The man failed to get away with the car but took Mr Power’s iPhone and cash in the attack which happened in High Hazels Park in the Darnall area of the city on Monday, October 8.

Police say Mr Power drove the car to the park and parked it near the entrance between 7.50pm and 8.10pm and was found unconscious at 9.10pm.

Mr Power’s lingerie firm is a favourite with the rich and famous and has offices in New York, Hong Kong and Germany.

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Leading department stores, including House of Fraser and Debenhams, stock Panache’s range.

Mr Power, who lives with his wife Maureen in the desirable Bradway area of Sheffield, launched Panache in 1982 after working for Playtex.

A spokeswoman for Panache said: “Mr Power is a self-made man who founded international brand Panache over 30 years ago and which now employs over 120 people locally.

“As a close, family-run company, this incident has come as a big shock to the business and our thoughts and prayers are with the Power family at this difficult and private time.”

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Mr Power left his position as managing director in 2007 and John Power, one of his two sons, replaced him; his other son, Danny, is the company’s business 
development director. He also 
has two daughters and grandchildren.

Coun Joe Otten, who represents the Bradway area on Sheffield Council, said: “It’s a great shock and my thoughts are with Mr Power and his family.

“Sheffield is one of the safest cities in the country but plainly this kind of thing should not be happening.”

A 30-year-old local man from Darnall has been charged with attempted murder and robbery and has been remanded in custody.

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Mr Power was still in hospital yesterday suffering from a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. He is in a serious condition.

It is believed Mr Power was concerned for the welfare of his elderly brother who lives in the Darnall area and had gone missing from his home. Mr Power made the seven-mile journey from his house on the other side of the city to look for him.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “It is thought that the man was in the park due to concerns for an elderly relative who could have been in the park at the time.”

Bra specialist Mr Power founded Panache in 1982 when he was made redundant from lingerie giants Playtex. He mortgaged his house and started making bras in his garage.

The firm, which is based in a £2.5m headquarters in Crystal Peaks, Sheffield, claims on its website to concentrate on fit, support and comfort.