Seven people have been arrested after a 17-year-old exchange student was left fighting for his life with a “30 per cent” chance of survival after a brutal attack in Kent.
Daniel Ezzedine, a Lebanese student in the UK on an exchange programme from Germany, was left in a coma after being attacked in Whitefriars Street, in Canterbury.
Police are investigating whether the attack on the 17-year-old was a hate crime and have made seven arrests as part of their enquiries.
Daniel’s brother Bassam Ezzedin has since told German media his brother was given a 30 per cent chance of survival and said he remains in intensive care in a coma.
Mr Ezzedin said: “To start with the doc told us his chance of survival would be 30 per cent. That was heartbreaking for us.
“He has called to say the outlook is to an extent better and his condition is no longer life-threatening. He's in intensive care in hospital lying in an induced coma.”
In an emotional post on Facebook, Mr Ezzedin added: “I pray and ask Allah for mercy and that you will soon be on your legs again my little brother. You don’t deserve the dead!
“I love you, my heart burns I won't be able to live without you. Insallah you'll be fine soon.”
Alongside a picture of his brother, he continued: “Please make a prayer and prayer that my brother who doesn't deserve the bad is going well again and doesn't leave any damage.”
He said that his mother and two older siblings are by Daniel's side.
The attack has been condemned as a “shameful stain” on the city by MP Rosie Duffield, who helped Daniel’s family get to the UK after the assault on June 6.
She said: “This is a horrific and shameful stain on our usually very peaceful city. Extremely thankful for our wonderful police, ambulance crews and all who came to assist.”
On Wednesday night, hundreds of people marched through Canterbury city centre to the scene of the attack to show their support for the student and his family.
Thousands of pounds have also been raised online to support the boy’s family.
Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have made seven arrests, including a 16-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and two 15-year-old boys, all from Canterbury.
A 17-year-old from Margate and a 44-year-old man of no fixed address were also arrested. They were all later released on bail pending further enquiries, police said.
A 17-year-old boy from Canterbury was also arrested on Saturday but was released on bail.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/108995/19. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
