Police Investigate Portsmouth Attacks

Investigations are underway into two separate attacks and an unrelated aggravated burglary in Portsmouth and Southsea.

An investigation by detectives is continuing after a report of a serious assault on a man in Portsmouth.

A 45-year-old man was walking home along Gladys Avenue between 1.15am and 1.45am on Sunday, August 7, 2011 when he was approached by a group of young men.

It is believed this group attacked the man, who received a serious injury to his face. He was taken to hospital.

An 18-year-old man from Portsmouth was arrested shortly after 2am on Sunday, August 7, 2011 on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm without intent. He was later released with no further action.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Amanda Waite said: 

“I believe this was a nasty and unprovoked attack on a section of Gladys Avenue that people tend to use at all hours of the night.

"It is possible that someone on their way home from a night out witnessed what happened.”

A possible suspect was described as:

*Male
*White
*Aged in his late teens to early 20s

Meanwhile, in a separate attack, detectives are appealing for witnesses after a report of an assault on a man in Southsea.

The 28-year-old was walking south along Somers Road near the junction with Cottage Grove when he was attacked by another man.

The victim received injuries that were not life threatening.

The suspect ran away south along Somers Road after the assault, which is reported to have taken place at approximately at 11.40pm on Saturday, August 6, 2011.

He was described as:

*White
*Aged in his mid 40s
*Brown spiky hair
*He was wearing a black jacket.

Finally, detectives are investigating a report of an aggravated burglary in Southsea.

It’s claimed two men forced their way into a flat on Western Parade and stole a laptop computer after a struggle with two men inside, a resident and a visitor.

The two victims, aged 23 and 24, were not seriously injured in the burglary, which took place at around 7.30pm on Saturday, August 6, 2011.

The two burglars left the scene by cycling north towards Elm Grove.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Andrew Larder said: 

“This is a shocking but rare type of crime for Portsmouth.

"The consequences could have been far worse but thankfully the two victims received minor injuries only.

“As this appears to be an aggravated burglary that took place relatively early in the evening, I would also remind people to check who is calling at their home before they open the door.”

 Anyone with information on these three crimes should call police by phoning 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call 0845 045 45 45. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.