MAN IMPALED ON FENCE AFTER ATTACK

The Hastings man needed 14 stitches on a four inch gaping wound after his left leg became skewered on the pike.

The 24-year-old man had been walking through the park at 10.30pm on Saturday, when he became aware of a group of three men following him, growing faster and closer.

Worried and unable to see the group clearly, he began to sprint away, running up the banking of the park at Upper Park Road and throwing his rucksack over the five foot fence.

The attackers gave chase, trapping him against the park railings, grabbing him by the ankles and waist and throwing him over the fence.

The man was able to call for an ambulance, who took him to the Conquest. Police visited him at the hospital and are treating the incident as grievous bodily harm, with a possible robbery motive.

Anyone who saw the attack, or may have information about those responsible, should call Hastings CID on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 2159 of 7.8.04, or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.