Man injured in South Shore pool cue attack speaks out

A good Samaritan was smashed over the head with a pool cue as he went to the rescue of a man in South Shore.
David Astbury was injured during the attack outside the Empire Bingo Hall in Hawes Side Lane South ShoreDavid Astbury was injured during the attack outside the Empire Bingo Hall in Hawes Side Lane South Shore
David Astbury was injured during the attack outside the Empire Bingo Hall in Hawes Side Lane South Shore

David Astbury intervened in an attack involving around 10 youths and one man after he heard a disturbance on Hawes Side Lane just after 11pm on Saturday, February 17.

The 28-year-old, who is from Blackpool, suffered cuts to his head during the incident which happened near to the Empire Bingo Hall.

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He said: "At first I just thought it was nothing but then I thought the noise could have been a fight.

Hero: David AstburyHero: David Astbury
Hero: David Astbury

"So I went out and looked down the street. This guy was getting battered by a group of lads.

"There were around 10 of them and they were all around 16-years-old.

"I ran in and got hit with a pool cue - it got wrapped right around my head.

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"I'm usually a bit of a whimp but I couldn't stop thinking about the Michael Rhodes case.

Hero: David AstburyHero: David Astbury
Hero: David Astbury

"Although I didn't know him personally, he was a friend of the family. I just thought this man who is being attacked could die.

"The case really sent a message around town. This man was killed with one punch. So you think if it's going to end with someone dying then its worth risking yourself for.

"Anyone would have done the same thing in the circumstances.

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"I've since spoken to the other man who was being attacked and he said he was just walking home and tried to stop some kids from smashing up the bus stop."

Police confirmed they had received reports of the incident.

A spokesman for the police said: "It seems a large group of lads have approached somebody and kicked and punched them using pool cues."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.