Plea over car near scene of assault

Officers believe that a number of people were in the car on the forecourt of a Total garage in Bawtry just after midnight on New Year’s Day, opposite the scene of the attack. Iain Eldridge, 35, from Auckley, remains in a critical condition, suffering from a serve head injury in Royal Hallamshire Hospital, after the incident.

He was with his girlfriend outside a hairdressers’ shop on Station Road, at just after midnight when he was assaulted.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The people in the car at that location would have had sight of the incident and may be able to help detectives with the investigation.” Bawtry man, Paul Oakden, 21, is currently in custody after appearing before magistrates charged with grevious bodily harm.

Anyone who has information about the car or its occupants are being asked to get in contact with South Yorkshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously by telephoning 0800 555 111.