[27 SEP 00] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Reward After Indecent Assault And Stabbing

A reward has been offered to catch the culprit who stabbed a man as he tried to protect a friend who had been indecently assaulted in Leamington.

Both victims, who have Downs Syndrome and live at a home in Heath Terrace, were set on in Guys Cliffe Road about 9pm on Friday. 

A Warwickshire Police spokesman said:

“They were returning home after visiting a chip shop in Rugby Road when they were approached by a man at the side of the Coventry Arms pub in Guys Cliffe Road.

“The woman was indecently assaulted, and her companion then swore at the offender.

“At this point, the offender produced a Swiss-army type knife and pushed the male victim to the ground.

“He then attempted to stab him in the chest while the victim then defended himself with his hands.

“The victim was stabbed in the stomach. The offender than ran off in the direction of Guys Cliffe Avenue and the victims returned home to report this to the police.”

The owners of chip shop have offered a £250 reward to catch the attacker  if the information leads to an arrest and conviction.

The attacker was a described as white, about 6ft tall in his mid 20s with a light coloured Adidas sports-type coat and also had black shoes.

Neither victim was seriously injured. The man went to Warwick Hospital for treatment to minor stab wounds to stomach and a small stab wound to the face.

Anyone with information should ring Leamington CID on 01926 415000.