MP assaulted by gang of youths (From Worcester News)

MP assaulted by gang of youths

5:30pm Sunday 26th October 2008 in

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A TOP Welsh MP was assaulted by a gang of youths as he carried balloons to his parents's golden wedding anniversary party in Worcester.

The gang attacked Plaid Cymru's Adam Price at the South Quay fountains beside the river Severn as he made his way to Brown’s restaurant. Police officers swarmed straight to the scene and made four arrests at about 5.10pm on Saturday.

Brown’s restaurant owner Richard Everton said: “There were two men bringing balloons down to us in the afternoon to put up but the party wasn’t arriving until quite a bit later.

“They were set upon by some young kids down by the fountains. They tried to steal their balloons off them and one of them got hit in the jaw I think. It was in broad daylight and I heard the police caught them. It’s disgraceful really. Let’s hope the gang get everything they should get.”

Mr Everton said kitchen staff called an ambulance for the 40-year-old Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP and his friend.

Mr Price’s spokeswoman Heledd Fychan said: “A gang of youths set upon him randomly. They had no idea who he was. It was an unprovoked, random attack and he then had to go to hospital and receive treatment for cuts to his face.

“He is a bit battered and bruised and he has a black eye."

Miss Fychan said none of the balloons were stolen and added no weapons were used during the attack. She said she understood that four people have since been arrested by police.

Mr Price, who speaks for his party on treasury, trade and industry matters, has been a high-profile figure since he was elected in 2001.

A West Mercia police spokesman said: “We got enough bodies there to make four arrests almost straight away.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said a rapid-response vehicle and two ambulances were sent to the scene at about 5.30pm.

“Two patients were walking wounded and were both taken to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital,” she said.

Anybody who saw the assault is urged to call police on 08457 444888, quoting 532S/251008, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

• Do you know Adam Price's parents? Call David Paine on 01905 742248 or e-mail him at dp@worcesternews.co.uk

READ the update to this story here.