[Toony]

Newcastle Journal 20 August 2002

Vicious Attack in City Centre

Newcastle Police are today investigating a vicious attack on a group of men last night. The 11 men, all visitors from the London region , We subjected to a brutal & prolonged assault , leaving several injured & many with severe trauma. The men , said to be form the East end of London , were repeatedly verbally & physically abused , in what ppolice have called " A horrifying experience " for the visitors. The group spokesman , Mr Glenn Roeder witnessed the assault & gave the following description :

" We was up for a good knees up & a sing song - thats all . Ive told the lads many times that Newcastle is a great place to go out - loads of birds & cheap beer - i woz up here for a while in the 1980's & had a great time.It all started about 8.00 o'clock last night , when we was approached in a hostile manner by some locals. For 45 minutes they taunted us & called us names, but after about an hour , they got really nasty. It was 'orribel , it was - ive not seen anyfink like it since the Cable St. riots or the Blitz" . At this point , Mr Roeder Paused to wipe away a tear & regain his composure " Slags.. that they are , Northern Slags............"

" I never fought they would finish....it was just non stop ... they just kept coming & coming an never let up" Visibly shaking , Mr Roeder described how the attack became his worst nightmare " There was one dark lad, black as night , vicious he was , just wouldnt let us leave & kept on with the attack.....i was terrified " At this point , The victim showed us the results of the assault " Look at this...... its me best suit it is .....all the buttons 'ave been ripped off....there were over 5000 buttons on it yesterday ........... this jacket is an 'and me dahn from me great grandad - 'e was a costermonger & pearly king of Bow after the great war" Mr Roeder continued , His voice quivering with fright " they took me spoons off me an me laughed as they threw 'em away"

The victims were taken to Newcastle General Hospital for treatment after the attack. Three were kept in for observation & put on an Eel & Likker drip overnight. They are expected to rejoin their group this morning & travel back together.

Police are currently investigating the incident & are appealing for more witnesses , as only 52,000 have come forward so far. No charges are expected.

[geordienation]

Humor.