Teenagers arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after ‘racist hit-and-run attack’ on NHS worker

Victim scarred for life following Bristol attack which left glass and gravel lodged in his face

Kdogg, pictured at home with his sister, will be scarred for life following a racist hit-and-run attack (PA)

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a racist hit-and-run attack on an NHS worker in Bristol.

The 18-year-old suspects were taken into custody on Saturday morning by detectives investigating the 22 July assault, which left the victim with serious injuries including a broken leg, nose and cheekbone.

The NHS worker, a 21-year-old musician who wishes to be known only as K or stage name Kdogg, was rammed deliberately with a car as he walked in the Horfield area of Bristol after finishing his shift at nearby Southmead Hospital.

He required plastic surgery and will be scarred for life following the attack, which left bits of gravel and grass in his face which surgeons were unable to remove.

Avon and Somerset Police said the attack was being treated as racially aggravated due to racist language used by the two occupants of the car, who fled the scene.

The force has seized a Honda Accord used in the attack and detectives are awaiting the results of a forensic examination of the car.

Officers are continuing to take witness statements, complete house-to-house enquiries, and reviewing CCTV footage.

Superintendent Andy Bennett said: “We appreciate this incident has caused a significant amount of concern but we’d like to stress there is no intelligence or information to indicate there’s a further risk to the public.

“If anyone does have any concerns or worries then I would urge them to speak to officers within their local neighbourhood policing team who will be happy to answer any questions they can.”

K, a keen footballer, has been left unable to walk without crutches, only able to sleep sitting up in a chair, and requiring regular hospital treatment for his injuries.

Doctors have said it will take a minimum of six months before he is able to return to relatively normal life and even longer for him to be back to full fitness.

In a statement issued this week, K said he felt afraid to walk outside.

He added: “I can’t play football, record my music, go to the gym or even sleep – I have to try to sleep sitting up.

“I am lucky to be alive.”

Supt Bennett said: “I know the senior detective overseeing the investigation has spoken personally with the victim to provide as much reassurance as she can and a dedicated contact officer continues to update him about the progress of the investigation.

“I’d like to thank the many members of the public who have shown their support either by providing us with information or making gestures of solidarity with the victim.

“Bristol is a wonderful city full of diverse communities and I continue to be heartened by its reactions to incidents such as this.”

A fundraising page set up by K’s friend Simeon Mccarthy has received more than £31,000 in donations, and has been supported by Bristol band Massive Attack.

Mr Mccarthy said the money would go directly to K to support him through his recovery “in whichever way he sees fit”