EPPING: Teen undergoes facial surgery following unprovoked attack (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

EPPING: Teen undergoes facial surgery following unprovoked attack

12:18pm Tuesday 17th March 2009

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AN ASIAN student has undergone reconstructive surgery to insert a metal plate in his face following a unprovoked and possibly racially-motivated attack.

The 17-year-old, who lives with his family in Epping, was set upon as he walked away from the Harlow College campus shortly after midday on Wednesday, March 11.

A large man jumped out on him as he walked through The Dashes park and unleashed a volley of punches.

It was only when two friends - who were walking a short distance behind - intervened that the attacker stopped his assault and ran off in the direction of the town centre.

The teenager spent three days at Princess Alexandra Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery on facial fractures and had a metal plate inserted in his cheek.

Patrick Hay, the college's deputy principal, said the student, who is the second year of an engineering and construction course, is now recovering at home.

He said: "We spoke to him yesterday and he seems to be in good spirits and even said he was keen to come back to college.

"But he has had to have a fair amount of reconstructive surgery so we took the decision that he is not ready to return to some of the more physical aspects of his course.

“We have arranged for him to do some work at home so he can keep up with his studies."

He added: "Many students have been left very upset by what happened, and there is some talk here that this may have been racially-motivated.

"But at the moment our thoughts are with this lad and his family, and we all wish him a speedy recovery."

Investigating officer, Det Sgt Jamie Gingell said: "This was a really nasty attack and one which was completely unprovoked."

He added: "At this stage we don't know why he was the target of this man's anger and so would like to speak to any witnesses or anyone who recognises the attacker from the description."

The attacker is described as black, aged in his late teens or early 20s, and about 6ft tall. He wore dark jogging bottoms, a black beanie hat and a black hooded top. He is said to have a distinctively large top lip.

Anyone with information should call police on 0300 333 4444, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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