Bawtry assault victim still critical

Iain Eldridge, 35, of Auckley, Doncaster, is still in a 'critical condition' at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield where he is being treated for severe head injuries.

Iain was attacked on Station Road in Bawtry next to The Penny Farthing pub, shortly after midnight in the early hours of Sunday 1st January.

Iain was with his girlfriend, when he was approached by an unknown male and assaulted near a hairdressers' shop, in what officers believe was an unprovoked attack.

His attacker fled the scene.

Officers have urged anyone with information to come forward.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The 35-year-old local man was initially taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary but later transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield with a severe head injury."

"His condition is described as critical."

"The offender is described as a white male, of stocky build, in his late 20s to early 30s with short blond hair."

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or can provide any information to assist the ongoing investigation should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 87 of Sunday 1st January."

"Alternatively witnesses can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

In a statement Iain’s family called him an ‘ordinary, honest, hard working family man’.

“He was just out enjoying New Year’s Eve when he was attacked for no reason,” they said.

“It could have happened to your son, husband or your father. Someone must know who did this and shouldn’t be protecting them. We just want to know who did this and why.”