Third man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over racially aggravated attack on NHS worker
The victim was left with a broken leg, nose and cheekbone - and has been left permanently scarred.
Monday 3 August 2020 13:39, UK
A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a racially aggravated attack on an NHS worker in Bristol.
The 21-year-old victim was left seriously injured when he was hit by a car as he walked towards a bus stop after his shift at Southmead Hospital on 22 July.
The suspect - the third person to have been arrested in connection with the incident - was held by officers on Sunday evening but has since been released under investigation, according to Avon and Somerset Police.
Two teenagers, both 18, were arrested on Saturday morning, also on suspicion of attempted murder, but were also released under investigation.
The victim - a musician, who wishes to only be known as K, or his stage name Kdogg - was left with a broken leg, nose and cheekbone.
Police are treating the incident as racially aggravated due to the language that was used at the scene.
Superintendent Andy Bennett, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "The dedicated team investigating this incident are committed to carrying out a thorough investigation and I hope this third arrest provides further reassurance to the victim and the wider community about how seriously we're treating this incident."
K, who is also a keen footballer, has been left unable to walk without crutches, can only sleep sitting up in a chair, and needs regular hospital treatment for his injuries.
He has also been left permanently scarred, with surgeons unable to remove glass and grit in his face, and doctors have said it will take at least six months before he is able to do most things.
It will take longer still for him to be back to full fitness.
Protesters marched down Monks Park Avenue on Sunday afternoon, the Bristol road where the incident happened, in support of K and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Placards were later laid down at the spot where K was attacked, where damage could still be seen on a wall that was struck by the car.
More than £45,000 has been raised by a page set up by K's friend Simeon Mccarthy, and the crowdfunder has been supported by the band Massive Attack.