GP stabbed in the face in ‘targeted’ surgery attack

DOCTOR’S CAR WAS ALSO TORCHED BY ARSONISTS WEEKS EARLIER

A DOCTOR stabbed in the face outside a surgery was the victim of a targeted attack, say police.

And the M.E.N. can reveal that a few weeks before the vicious assault the doctor’s car was set on fire.

The locum GP was leaving the Elms Medical Centre in Whitefield, Bury, when he was knifed several times.

He suffered deep lacerations to his head and face and was taken to North Manchester General Hospital and then transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital for emergency surgery. It is understood he received plastic surgery.

Two men slashed the victim as he left the Green Lane centre and walked to his vehicle. Both were wearing hoodies and left the scene in a Vauxhall Astra.

The attack happened at about 1.15pm on Thursday, April 27. It has since emerged his car was torched outside his home in Bolton on April 14.

One source told the M.E.N.: “Two weeks ago the doctor’s car caught fire mysteriously. It could be linked to the attack at the surgery. Initially after the attack he was in a bad way but is recovering. These men went to wreck his face.”

Det Insp John Stainton, of GMP’s Bury borough, said: “I know this incident is going to cause some concern to people living and working in the area, but I would like to assure them that we have launched a full investigation and are actively searching for those responsible.

“This was an unprovoked attack on a man as he got into his car which understandably left him feeling traumatised and requiring medical treatment.

“We are keen to speak with anyone who may have information about what happened which could possibly assist us with our enquiries.”

A GMP spokeswoman said: “This incident is being treated as a targeted attack.”

The silver Astra believed to have been used by the attackers was later found burned out in Whitefield.

Paramedics were on the scene quickly after staff inside the medical centre witnessed the aftermath of the attack as the doctor was treated in the car park. Others ran out to help. The practice, which is just off Bury New Road, behind the Total Fitness gym, remained open during the incident.

Anybody with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 965 of 27/04/17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A 40-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and has been released under investigation.