Gang bottles man in litter row (From News Shopper)

Gang bottles man in litter row

1:45pm Monday 16th June 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

A GANG of youths smashed bottles over a man's head when he asked them to clean up some broken glass.

Stephen White, of Martens Avenue, Bexleyheath, said he approached a group of around 25 youngsters in Martens Grove Park near his house on Friday (June 13) after spotting them smashing bottles on the ground.

He claimed the youths then surrounded him before two of the gang members hit him on the head with bottles. He then fell to the floor before being repeatedly kicked in the head.

Mr White was left with a broken nose, cuts to his face and head, two badly swollen eyes and a split lip.

Speaking after the incident, which happened at around 8pm, the 46-year-old sales manager said: "I was walking my dog through the park and for some reason there were more people around than usual.

"A group of them were drinking and smashing bottles. I went back home to pick up a couple of bin liners and returned to the park to ask them to clear up their mess.

"One of them swore at me and then all of a sudden I had two bottles smashed on my head. I fell to the ground and curled up in a ball to protect myself.

"I took a kick in the face which broke my nose and a few others put the boot in as well."

The married father-of-two added: "Two young girls, who were also in the park, persuaded them to stop. The girls then helped take me home.

"My two kids burst into tears when they saw me."

Bexley police and an ambulance visited Mr White's home. He was taken to Darent Valley Hospital and discharged the same evening.

A spokesman for Bexley police said: "We can confirm that we are investigating the incident and following a number of lines of inquiry."

Call police with information on 0208 301 1212.