A man who was left with a fractured skull and horrific facial injuries after he was attacked and robbed by a gang of teenagers as he walked home from work says he “didn’t know if he would survive.”
Robert, originally from Poland, was set upon by the youths in Blackburn Skate Park at around 3.30pm on Monday afternoon.
The 55-year-old, who does not want to reveal his full identity for fear of repercussions, was left with two black eyes, a deep laceration on his forehead, and a fractured skull.
The food warehouse worker does not speak English and was found lying in a pool of blood by a passerby.
Robert, who spoke to the Daily Record with the help of his niece Marta, said: “I was kicked to the ground from behind.
“They came out of nowhere. As soon as I hit the ground they started throwing punches in my face and kicking my head. I was terrified.
“I had no idea what they wanted or if they would stop the attack. They were shouting things but I don’t know what they were saying. I wasn’t sure if I was going to survive.”
The suspects, who are described as four male teens all wearing black clothing, made off with Robert’s backpack, which contained shopping and his mobile phone. His phone was recovered in a nearby field the following day.
An ambulance was called to the scene and Robert was rushed to St John’s Hospital, Livingston, for treatment.
He continued: “I don’t know if I blacked out. I was disoriented and remember the police arriving.
“Then I remember pain. There was blood dripping everywhere from my face. It was a really traumatic experience.
His niece Marta, 22, was left horrified after she saw the injuries her uncle sustained during the attack. She has appealed for witnesses to come forward.
She added: “I am furious. I can’t believe someone would attack an older man for no reason.
“He is such a good person. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.
“He is now waiting for an appointment at the trauma clinic to check there is no permanent damage.
“This attack happened in broad daylight while he was heading home after a long day at work. We are determined to find who did this to him and hold them accountable.”
Detective Constable Chris Watson, from Livingston CID, said: “We’re appealing to anyone who was in the area and witnessed the attack, or may have seen the group of youths nearby on Monday afternoon, to please come forward.
“Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting incident 2694 of May 8, 2023. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
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