Police were called to Whitebeam road near Longcroft Park on Easter Sunday
(Picture: Google Maps)A father is fighting for his life after he was allegedly beaten up by a group of boys who were bullying his 11-year-old son.
Alan Wilson, 46, was injured after he was allegedly assaulted in Longcroft Park, Worthing in West Sussex on Easter Sunday.
Mr Wilson, who is a care worker, had run from his house to the park after he heard a group of boys were throwing his son to the ground, reports the Sun.
The gang reportedly turned on Mr Wilson by smashing an object onto his head while his son watched.
Sussex Police said they were called to Whitebeam Road shortly before 7.30pm on Sunday where they found a man had been injured in Longcroft Park.
He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he remains in a serious condition.
The care worker’s family said Mr Wilson was last night in a coma in hospital.
“He is fighting for his life after brain surgery for multiple bleeds on the brain,” wrote Mr Wilson’s wife, Annie, on Facebook.
“He is the most kind and gentle man in the world. My 11-year-old son you have also given mental trauma.
“A father coming to rescue his son because you started physically hurting him and throwing him on the ground.”
She added: “The ventilator won’t work properly. He has facial fractures. I hope you are proud of yourself. We have been told now to just live life day by day.”
Police arrested four boys on suspicion of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. They were released on bail with conditions which include strict curfews, staying at a given address away from the local area and not associating with each other.
A fifth boy was arrested on Monday on suspicion of attempted murder. He has also been released on bail with strict conditions.
Police are urging anyone who saw what happened or who was in the park around the time of the incident to get in touch.
Detective Inspector Simon Dunn, who is leading the investigation, said: “The assault and the build up to it occurred in a public park in daylight, so it was likely that other people would have witnessed the assault or the suspects running from the scene.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who has information but is yet to come forward.”
Members of the public can contact police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Swallowtail.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to police via the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
