Police Hunt Men After Shocking Neck Slashing in Southampton
Nearly three months after a brutal attack outside the Encore Pub in Southampton, police have released new CCTV images of suspects linked to the assault that left a 29-year-old man fighting for his life.
Man’s Neck Artery Severed in Vicious Attack
The victim survived emergency surgery after the main artery in his neck was severed in the early hours of Saturday 22 July. The assault is being treated as an attempted murder due to its extreme severity. The man has since been recovering at home.
Key CCTV Footage Reveals Suspects’ Movements
Earlier CCTV showed a group heading down Bedford Place towards the Encore Pub just 10 minutes before the attack. Several vehicles passed the scene during the incident, with occupants of one car rushing to help.
Police are also keen to speak to a couple seen walking along Commercial Road around the time of the attack. They are still regarded as key witnesses.
Suspects Tracked from Southampton to Gatwick and Beyond
Detectives believe the suspects fled via coach from Southampton Coach Station to Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal, then caught a train through London, Hertfordshire, and on to Bedford.
Newly released CCTV snapshots show the men at Gatwick’s North Terminal train station.
“We believe these men get off the train in central or north London and we’ve been carrying out extensive enquiries to track them down,” said Detective Constable Marsha Brown.
“They’re quite distinctive, and we’re urging anyone who recognises them or saw them on the coach or train in the early hours of 22 July to come forward.”
Police Urge Public to Help Identify Attackers
If you recognise any of the men or have information about the incident, contact police immediately. Call 101 quoting reference 44170281379 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
