Man, 55, held as stabbed surgeon fights for his life
POLICE are quizzing a man after a top plastic surgeon was stabbed in his family home by an intruder.
Graeme Perks, 65, was left fighting for his life after being knifed in the chest and stomach at his £800,000 house in Halam, Notts.
The retired dad of four remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital following the attack.
A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of carrying out the stabbing and remains in police custody.
Mr Perks lives in the detached property, near Southwell, with his wife Beverley, 68, and one of their children.
He has been described as “one of the most highly regarded and respected surgeons in the profession”.
Locals in the affluent village were stunned by the attack, which happened at 4.15am on Thursday.
Neighbour Glenys Herbert, 80, said: “Graeme and Beverley are just lovely people. They are part of the church community and join in with everything in the village and open their garden to the public every year. The whole thing is just appalling.
“You would never in a million years expect something like this to happen here. The whole village just feels violated. We are all completely shocked. We are all just praying that Graeme pulls through.”
Nottinghamshire Police have revealed that Mr Perks had left his family upstairs to investigate the sound of breaking glass.
He was then knifed attacker fled the scene.
Before retiring last year, Mr Perks was head of plastic, reconstructive before his and burns surgery at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Det Insp Gayle Hart said: “The swift arrest of this suspect we hope will provide some reassurance to local residents. This is a horrific incident.
“His family who were upstairs at the time are extremely shocked and upset by the ordeal. The victim is in the intensive care unit and is currently in a serious but stable condition.”
Mr Perks is chairman of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons’ professional standards committee. BAPRAS president Ruth Waters said they had been contacted by colleagues worldwide as news of the attack spread.
She said: “All have expressed their shock at what has happened and their hope for his speedy recovery. It has been my good fortune and honour to know Graeme for many years.
“I have benefited from his kindness, generosity and extensive knowledge throughout my career.”