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Crime

08th Apr 2021

Dad fighting for life after stepping in to help his son against bullies

Claudia McInerney

He remains in a coma following the attack in West Sussex

A father is fighting for his life after being badly beaten by a group of teenage youths in a local park in Worthing on Easter Sunday.

Alan Wilson, from Worthing in West Sussex, tried to intervene when he discovered that his son was being bullied in Longcroft Park, however the teenagers turned on him and beat him until he was unconscious. His 11-year old son was made to watch, it has been reported.

Wilson was later taken to hospital by an air ambulance.

The 46-year-old care home worker has been left in a coma in Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton after suffering from severe injuries.

Following the violent attack, Willson suffered from broken bones, brain bleeds, lung trauma and spinal fractures.

His wife, Annie, shared a post and an image of her injured husband online.

The 49-year-old said: “So this is what you have done to my husband — hitting him and keep hitting him until he was down and unconscious.

“He is fighting for his life after brain surgery for multiple bleeds on the brain.”

Annie described her husband as “the most kind and gentle man in the world.”

She also said that her son is suffering from “mental trauma” after the horrifying attack.

As reported by the Sun, sources say that Wilson’s family are worried that he may wake up from the coma with brain damage.

The MP for Worthing West, Sir Peter Bottomley, offered his sympathies to Wilson’s family.

He said: “Everyone in the community sends their heartfelt sympathies and best wishes to both victims — the son who faced danger and the father who bravely intervened.”

Police have confirmed that, on Sunday, four boys were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Another boy was also arrested on Monday on suspicion of attempted murder. All juvenile suspects have been released on bail but with strict conditions, police said.

Detective Inspector Simon Dunn, who is leading the case, said: “The assault and the build up to it occurred in a public park in daylight, so it was likely that other people would have witnessed the assault or the suspects running from the scene.”

He added: “I am keen to hear from anyone who has information but is yet to come forward.”

At the time of writing, a crowdfunding page has raised over £20,000 for Alan in response to the attack.

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