Man blinded during football match assault at Basildon Sporting Village (From Echo)

Man blinded during football match assault at Basildon Sporting Village

11:48am Friday 15th March 2013 in Local News

A MAN was blinded in his right eye after he was struck with an iron bar whilst playing football.

The 35 year-old, from Basildon, was playing in a six-a-side football match at Basildon Sporting Village in Cranes Farm Road, on February 19.

He was assaulted by a group of spectators at about 9pm, who struck him in the face with an iron bar causing serious injuries to his right eye.

Angela Tappin, Investigating Officer, said: "The victim suffered a cut to his eyeball, a detached retina and a shattered lens. He has lost the sight in his right eye and is still having medical treatment. However, there is a danger that the sight loss will be permanent.

"This was a horrific attack and happened after a group of rival spectators attacked the player and manager of the six-a-side team.

"We want to hear from any other spectators who have any information about the people involved in the assault.”

A 16 year-old boy from Basildon and a 15-year-old boy from Billericay were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm .

They have been bailed until April 2 pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information should contact DC Tappin at Basildon CID on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.