Walk planned as student wakes from coma following ‘attack’
PEOPLE in Aberystwyth are to stage a public walk in support of a second year student left unconscious on the street a month ago.
Ifan Richard Owens, 19, was allegedly attacked in the town on January 14, leaving him in a coma for nearly a month.
He woke up on Sunday for the first time since the incident and the people of Aberystwyth want to reassure students that the town is a safe place to live.
Five people were arrested in connection with the attack on the Cardiff-born teenager.
One of the walk’s organisers Emlyn Jones, who is a local school teacher, said: “We are walking from the student hall of Pantycelyn at 3pm down to the bandstand for 4pm. This is to reassure students and their parents that Aberystwyth is a safe place, and that we look after each other here.”
Organisers have said they are expecting over 500 people to take part in the walk and are also going to use the event to help fundraise for the family of Mr Owens.
Police issued a fresh appeal for information.
MP for Ceredigion Ben Lake will also be giving a talk after the walk, at the bandstand.
A police spokesperson said: “The assault happened between 1.302.30am, Sunday January 14, on High Street, Aberystwyth. In particular, police would like to identify and speak to the man who administered first aid on Mr Owens directly after the assault and to two people who have been seen walking along South Road at 2.30am.
“Five men have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Two are on police bail and three have been released under investigation. Call police on 101, quoting incident number 402 of January 14, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”