Boy, 13, arrested for brutal assault on Watford football fan that left him in coma
A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested on suspicion of assault by detectives investigating an attack that left a football fan fighting for his life.
The arrest comes just hours after police released shocking CCTV images showing the violent assault of 44-year-old Watford supporter Nick Cruyws.
The father-of-two suffered a “severe head injury” and was put in an induced coma after the assault on Saturday.
Newly released footage shows how Mr Cruyws, from Hemel Hempstead, is tripped over before being kicked in the head.
The attackers then circle the 44-year-old, kicking him as he lies helpless on the floor.
The video then shows how the group walk away from the scene, leaving him curled up and motionless.
The group of friends were completely outnumbered and the victim suffered a severe head injury which has left him in a critical condition in hospital
A 13-year-old boy was arrested at an address in East Park, Wolverhampton, at around 5am this morning by detectives investigating the incident, according to West Midlands Police.
It comes just 24 hours after an 18-year-old man was detained and charged with wounding. The man has since been bailed until April 8.
Mr Cruyws was in Wolverhampton to watch his team draw 2-2 with Wanderers in a Championship clash when he was assaulted.
Detective Inspector Toni Naylor, of West Midlands Police, said: "We are pleased with how the investigation is progressing and the arrest of a second suspect is significant.
"But this is not the end of our inquiry, it's only the beginning.
"I am now appealing to anyone who was involved in the incident to think about their actions and to do the right thing and contact us or hand themselves in to a local police station.
"We will leave no stone unturned to find the people involved and by coming forward you will be in a position to give your side of the story."
Meanwhile, an appeal set up by a Wolves fan has so far raised more than £20,000 for Mr Cruyws - a self-employed milkman who is in a “critical condition” in hospital.
Wolves manager Kenny Jackett said last night: "Our thoughts are with the lad who was attacked and his family."
A statement on Watford's website said: “The thoughts of everyone associated with Watford FC are with a Hornets' supporter who is now critically ill after an unprovoked post-match attack.”
West Midlands Police said the man was attacked on Little's Lane, Wolverhampton at around 5pm on Saturday 7 March.
Detective Sergeant Adam Keen added: "The group of friends were completely outnumbered and the victim suffered a severe head injury which has left him in a critical condition in hospital.
"His family have been informed and we are in the process of taking statements from witnesses and locating any CCTV which might have captured those responsible for the attack."
