Sunday 19 February 2012

Police Hunt Riot Hoodies After Driver Injured By Brick


Police are hunting five suspects after a lorry driver’s skull was fractured by a brick hurled through his windscreen during last summer’s so-called English riots.

Manuel Silva, 45, (pictured) needed a metal plate inserted into his skull and suffered blurred vision and migraines and is now permanently scarred.

Five hooded black youths, who were in Prince Regents Lane, Canning Town at 4.45pm on August 9, are wanted by police.

Two teens from the group threw a large brick through his windscreen and others joined in, throwing more bricks and smashing all the vehicle’s windows.

One brick hit Mr. Silva in his head, resulting in a serious head injury.

He remembers feeling a sharp pain from his forehead and touching his head to feel blood pouring from a wound.

In shock he quickly drove away from the scene fearing for his life and spotted uniformed officers who provided first aid. 



MR. Silva underwent a complex operation for a fractured skull and had a metal plate inserted in his skull as part of the procedure.

He was unable to work for two months, causing him great financial difficulty. 



He has now made a full recovery, but the scar remains.



Detective Constable David Tate of Operation Withern based at Newham said: “This was a serious unprovoked assault on a hard-working innocent man trying to get on with his job.

“He received extensive injuries leaving him unable to work and facing massive financial problems as a result. 



“There would have been lots of people in the area at the time of the assault and I appeal for any witnesses to come forward and assist police in catching those responsible.”



Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable David Tate on 02072754353 or if you wish to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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