A MAN was attacked with a claw hammer yesterday evening (Sunday January 22) after getting into a vehicle he had mistaken for a taxi outside a pub.
The incident happened at around 6.30pm close to the Great Northern pub in Bute Street, Luton when the 46-year-old victim tried to get into the car.
The victim became involved in an argument with the driver and two passengers, all described as Eastern European, before he was hit several times with a claw hammer.
He managed to make his way to Dunstable before being seen by paramedics who took him to the Luton & Dunstable Hospital for further treatment.
Det Con Colin Knight, investigating the incident, said: “While the victim accepts that he made a mistake in entering the vehicle, there is absolutely no excuse for this level of violence to be used on an individual.
“Thankfully the victim was not seriously injured, but it could have been very different.
“The offenders certainly weren’t afraid to use violence and I hope that anyone who may have seen them will come forward to help stop them from committing similar offences in the future.
“I’d like to hear from anyone who was in the Bute Street area at the time of the assault, or anyone else who may have information – however small or insignificant they think it is – that could help us.
“Don’t dismiss your information as unimportant – even tiny details which don’t seem relevant now might become useful later on in the investigation.”
Descriptions of the car and individuals involved are limited, but the three offenders are described as being Eastern European.
If you have information relating to this incident, contact Det Con Knight, in confidence, on 01582 473142, the non emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at {http://crimestoppers-uk.org| crimestoppers-uk.org |Click here for Crimestoppers}