Cops think assault on Gazza was unprovoked Hotel’s CCTV ‘reveals random attack’
SUNDAY MIRROR
BATTERED football legend Paul Gascoigne was the victim of an unprovoked assault, police believe.
A trawl through CCTV is thought to have shown the former England star was randomly set upon.
Gazza, 49, suffered a fractured skull and needed 11 stitches after being kicked down the stairs of a hotel in London.
A source close to the investigation said officers are working with bosses at the Ace Hotel in East London to track down the assailant. An e-fit image of the thug may be issued.
Officers are also expected to visit Gazza to take a statement from him.
A source said: “Police are treating the incident seriously. There is no doubt Paul was drunk at the time, but further investigation seems to indicate that the attack which left him in hospital was unprovoked.
“Paul is determined the person who hurt him is held responsible.”
Former England hero Gazza was treated at A&E for his injuries.
After being discharged, he tweeted: “I’ve been2hospital. I’ve a fractured skull, I’ve 11 stitches in & on my eyelid plus my arm cut to bits where they threw me down the stairs.”
Giving Gazza’s account of the disturbance, a pal said: “Some lads started hassling him for money and pictures so he threw money at them. One got aggressive and pushed him down some stairs.
“Then a woman said he touched her – but he didn’t. It all got out of hand but it wasn’t Gazza’s fault.”
Self-confessed alcoholic Gazza has spent two decades battling with booze.
It wasn’t his fault... thug shoved him down stairs after lads hassled him GAZZA’S PAL ON BOOZY STAR’S BUST-UP AT HOTEL
IMPLANT
He admitted himself back into rehab on Wednesday for the 10th time and is expected to spend at least two weeks there. Friends have issued new appeals for him to get an implant which would help stop him drinking.
Late Manchester United legend George Best had a similar treatment, where antialcohol pellets were sewn into his stomach. The pellets make someone physically sick on consuming alcohol.
Gazza starred for clubs including Newcastle, Tottenham and Rangers and played 57 times for England. A friend said: “We just want him to get help.”