Shock at attack on ‘humble’ worker
VICTIM IS LEFT IN SERIOUS BUT STABLE CONDITION
A COMMUNITY has been left in shock following a seemingly unprovoked assault on a “humble” supermarket worker in a Derby street.
Police are investigating the incident, which happened at around 7.25pm on Thursday in Lower Dale Road, Normanton.
Officers investigating the attack say the victim, believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s, has been taken to hospital. It is understood that his condition yesterday was serious but stable.
Nobody has been arrested in connection with the attack.
Community figures in the Normanton area have told the Derby Telegraph that the victim, who lives locally, works at the Pak Foods store in Normanton Road. Shokat Lal, executive member of the Pakistan Community Centre in Derby, said in an open letter to Derbyshire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa: “Last night, around 7.30pm, after finishing his shift at Pak Foods store, a man was walking home where he was violently attacked on Lower Dale Road.
“What makes this particular assault so perplexing is that nothing was stolen from him and it felt like it a was a deliberate, premeditated ambush.
“The victim has no gang links, is not in any way involved in criminal activity, has a young family, is an exceptionally hardworking individual and everyone who knows him will tell you he is one of the nic- est people you will ever come across.”
Normanton councillor Gulfraz Nawaz said: “I was gobsmacked to find out the news. I know the victim well from the supermarket – he is such a humble person with a young family. He’s one of the nicest men you could wish to meet.
“I am glad police are increasing patrols and investigating this serious incident.”
Former councillor and Normanton resident Asaf Afzal said: “The community are in shock. I’ve been told the victim was a local lad who had just finished work and was walking back home.
“This is quite concerning and we are urging anyone in the community with information to assist police.”
Police say they will be increasing patrols in the area to establish what happened.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called to Lower Dale Road at around 7.25pm following reports that a man had been assaulted. We would like to hear from witnesses, or anyone who was driving in the area at the time who has dashcam footage.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa urged witnesses to come forward. He said: “This is an horrific incident. The victim works at the Pak Foods store. He is such a nice person. It’s a surprise he’s been attacked. I have spoken to the Pak Foods management team and offered my support and I will do what I can. “If anyone has seen anything please send information to police so we can apprehend this attacker.”
Nothing was stolen from him and it felt like it a was a deliberate, premeditated ambush. Shokat Lal