Renewed Appeal Over 'Vicious' Attack

One year on from a vicious attack on a 21-year-old woman which left her virtually blind detectives in Southampton are renewing their appeal for witnesses.

Three women were attacked outside a popular nightclub ‘POP’ in Vernon Walk. 
 
One of the women, Varenka Guillermoprieto, now 22, suffered a stroke after the attack and has been left totally blind in one eye and with very little vision in the other.
 
All three victims were in their early 20s. It was a student night event at the club at the time. The attacks happened at around 12.40am on Wednesday, May 18, 2011.
 
Detective Constable Anton Gaita who is investigating the crime said:

 “Two women were arrested in connection with the assaults originally. Since then a 21-year-old woman from Surrey has been charged and convicted with the attack on the othertwo women and a 20-year-old from Southport was also cautioned for an assault on one of the other women too. However so far no one has every been charged with the assault on Varenka who suffered most. A punch to her head caused her to have a stroke and it ishas had a dramatic on her life as it has left her with very limited sight. 
 
“I’m really hoping that this further appeal one year to the day that it happened may bring new witnesses forward who saw what happened on that night. They could provide that vital bit of evidence that could lead to an arrest and bring tojustice the person responsible for the attack.
 
“I know there were lots of people in and around the club that evening – many were students and they I’m certain there are some people who saw what happened and have yet to get in contact. I would urge them to take this opportunity to getin touch.”
 
Anyone who saw the assaults or has any information about what happened is asked to call DC Gaita at Southampton Central Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.