Investigation after unprovoked assault in Plymouth

Police are appealing for witnesses after a group of young men were subjected to an unprovoked attack in Plymouth.

The incident happened between 3.10am and 3.20am in Taunton Avenue at Whitleigh on Saturday 25 February.

Two men wearing balaclavas approached the group of four and asked them for cigarettes.

When they declined, one of the two men began punching out at a couple of the group. He then produced a claw hammer and struck one of the victims, aged 19, causing a cut on his arm which later required stitches.

Police are investigating the assault and seeking the two suspects who made off in an unknown direction.

The main offender is described as around 6ft tall and wearing a grey hooded top.  The second offender is slightly shorter and was wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Moon, from Plymouth CID, said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a group of four males who were minding their own business.

“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident or saw the two men in the area at the time of the offence. We would like to reassure the public that assaults such as this with the use of weapons is rare in Plymouth.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the offence and asking anyone with information to contact them via 101@dc.police.uk or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/014160/17.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers via 0800 555111 or on line at www.crimestoppers-org.uk