Couple Attacked In Shrewsbury By Halloween Group

A young couple on a night out in Shrewsbury were set upon by a group of people wearing Halloween fancy dress.

The 27-year-old man suffered serious face injuries, including a double break of his jaw, after being kicked and punched unconscious.

His partner, aged 24, suffered bruising from being pushed over while trying to intervene.

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to the unprovoked assault which happened in the Roushill area at around 11.15pm on Saturday.

Constable Ben Oakley, the investigating officer, said as the couple approached the junction of Roushill and Mardol walking towards Hills Lane, they were spoken to by a group of four to six people.

"They were described as being white males with dark hair, aged in their twenties and there may have been a female in the group as well.  They were all dressed in black and white fancy dress costumes for Halloween, possibly as skeletons, and one was wearing a set of horns."

PC Oakley said one of the group said they were from Oswestry and asked for directions to a local nightclub.

"Directions were given by the woman but the group started to become verbally abusive.  When the man stepped in he was violently assaulted by all the group, knocking him to the ground.  This lasted for several minutes before they ran off towards Ravens Meadow."

PC Oakley urged anyone who witnessed the assault or who spotted the group making off, to contact him at Shrewsbury police station by calling 101.  He said: "I am appealing for any information which might help identify the offenders.

"The victims were obviously very shaken and upset by this unprovoked attack and the man will require an operation on his jaw."

Information can also be passed to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Issued: Monday, 29 October 2012