Man knocked unconscious in street in Blackburn (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Man knocked unconscious in street in Blackburn

12:00pm Saturday 8th December 2012 in Blackburn

A DAD-OF-ONE was knocked unconscious in the street after attending his grandma’s funeral.

Police described the assualt on Joshua Higginson, 20, as a ‘cowardly and unprovoked attack’.

Joshua had been walking through the Galligreaves area of Blackburn when he was set upon by a gang.

Police said the former Witton Park High School pupil had been minding his own business when he was struck on the back of the head with what is thought to be a glass bottle, at the junction of Shakespeare Way and Dickinson Close.

Joshua, of Vale Street, Blackburn, said: “I had just dropped off my 10-week-old baby daughter Amelia May at home. Thank God she wasn’t with me.

“I have no idea why they targeted me. I don’t really drink so I haven’t upset them while I’ve been out.

“They were obviously showing off to each other and thought beating me up would be fun.

“I never stood a chance, especially with being jumped from behind. Whoever hit me was a coward.”

Police said Joshua was approached initially by three men around 7.15pm.

It is thought a fourth person then started the attack with the blow to the head.

Full-time dad Joshua said: “I was just walking down the street when three lads approached me. They said something, but I didn’t hear them so I asked them to repeat it. The next thing I know I felt a sharp pain on the back of the head.

“The blow must have knocked me out as all I remember is being woken up by a lady and her three young children.

“I was so disorientated I just headed home. As soon as my girlfriend saw me she made me to go to hospital.”

As well as being hit on the head, Joshua said he suspected he had been kicked and punched while he lay unconcious on the pavement.

He was admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital for head scans and treatment for two black eyes, bruised ribs and excessive brusing to his neck.

The incident took place on Tuesday, just two days before Joshua was meant to be celebrating his 20th birthday.

He said: “I decided to cancel my birthday meal because of all the bruising.

“I think this attack is just a sign of the times. People just do what they want, when they want and hurt whoever they like.”

Detectives investigating the case are now appealing for the good samariatan who helped Joshua to get in touch.

DC Mark Hutchinson, of Blackburn CID said: “This was a cowardly and unprovoked attack.

“I appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicous in the vicinity of Shakespeare Way on Tuesday to contact police.

“I also urge the good samaritan to come forward.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.