Woman injured in unprovoked attack

Police are appealing for witnesses following an unprovoked assault in Dawlish on Saturday 18th June.

The incident took place between 9:20 and 10pm.

Two men and a woman left the Mount Pleasant Inn at around 9.20pm on Saturday 18th June and walked up Mount Pleasant Road. When the three went to cross the zebra crossing, a red Nissan Micra drove at the pedestrians in dangerous manners, which lead to the group having to jump out of the way.

The 21-year-old woman in the group suffered a broken ankle following this incident.

At around 10pm, a red Nissan Mirca accompanied by a black Ford Focus and another Nissan Micra returned the junction of Mount Pleasant Road and Warren Road.

A number of men and women exited these cars and subsequently chased after and assaulted the group who had earlier left the Mount Pleasant Inn.

One of the victims of this assault, a 32-year-old man from Teignmouth, suffered heavy bruising to his face and a suspected fractured cheekbone. He was taken to Torbay District Hospital by ambulance.

Detective constable Rich Jones said: “We are investigating this unprovoked attack that appears to have escalated following a near-miss at the pedestrian crossing near Mount Pleasant, in Dawlish.

“Soon after the initial incident, the group were approached by the drivers and passengers of three cars, one of which we believe was involved in the earlier incident at the zebra crossing, and proceeded to assault the group leading to a number of injuries.

“We are appealing for witnesses to either incident and asking that if anyone can help us identify those responsible, that they speak to the police immediately.

“This was an unprovoked attack on three people returning home after a night out. Whilst i would like to reassure the people of Dawlish that these types of incident are rare, it is important that the local community help us identify those responsible so they can be held accountable for their actions.”

Anyone with information is asked to email police on 101@dc.police.uk or call 101 quoting police crime reference CR/041027/16.

Alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.