Man arrested after surgeon stabbed at home
VILLAGE IN SHOCK AS VICTIM IS LEFT FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE
VILLAGERS have spoken of their shock as investigations continue into a stabbing which left a leading plastic surgeon with serious injuries.
Graeme Perks, 65, suffered puncture wounds to his abdomen and chest during the incident inside his home in Halam Hill, Halam, at 4.15am on Thursday.
A 55-year-old man has been arrested over the incident and a police cordon was in place outside the house yesterday.
Gordon Sturton, who has lived in the village for six years and is a friend of the family, said: “I didn’t know what had happened, good lord.
“It’s terrible, I’m so shocked. I used to go on walks with the family and their new puppy and my dog.
“I used to see them every day. Yesterday we never went out so I didn’t see the police and had no idea what happened.”
Carol Layfield, a friend of the family, said: “We’re beyond horrified of course. Our son was woken up by ambulances when it happened.”
She said it was a close-knit community where “everyone knows everyone well” and added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Nick Rylatt, who lives a few doors down from the house, added: “It’s quite a shock to me. I drove past and saw police but didn’t think anything it.
“It’s probably the first crime other than speeding I’ve heard of around here. There’s like one burglary every 10 years in this area.
“My mum knew the family but I only know them to say hi. I just hope he pulls through.”
Mr Perks is described as one of the most highly regarded and respected surgeons in his profession.
He is a former president of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and was head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery at Nottingham
University Hospitals NHS Trust from 2011-2016.
He was also a chairman of the East Midlands Cancer Network.
BAPRAS president and consultant plastic surgeon, Ruth Waters, said: “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 in plastic surgery. It has therefore been no surprise to me that as news of this has spread, we have been contacted by colleagues from around the world.
“All have expressed their shock at what has happened and also their deep concern for his well being and their hope for his speedy recovery.”
A spokesperson for Nottingham University Hospitals Trust said: “This incident is truly horrific and has affected many of our staff who worked closely with, and are friends with Graeme. Our thoughts are with Graeme and his family at this time.”
Police believe an intruder smashed their way into the house before the stabbing happened. The resident went to investigate the sound of breaking glass before being attacked.
Detective Inspector Gayle Hart, who is leading the investigation, confirmed a 55-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident.
She added: “The swift arrest of this suspect we hope will provide some reassurance to local residents.
“As I said earlier this is a horrific incident which has left a man fighting for his life and 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.
“We’re continuing to make enquiries and are not ruling anything out so we would welcome speaking to anyone who may have information which would help with our inquiries, or who may have been a witness.”
Forensics officers were also seen in Landseer Road in Southwell yesterday afternoon. The Post understands it is linked with the investigation into the stabbing.