Man beaten with belts in cinema row

Article from The Echo (Essex)

A MAN was left needing surgery after a gang viciously whipped him with their belts following a row inside a cinema.

The 41-year-old victim had taken his girlfriend to watch the late night screening of film Saw VI at the Vue, off The Boardwalk in Lakeside shopping centre.

During the film the pair had an argument with a couple sitting behind them. When the movie finished the couple left for their car but were surrounded by a large gang, made up of men and women.

The men removed their belts and started laying into their victim.

The brutal assault left the man with severe injuries to his arm. He was taken to hospital where surgeons operated on him and inserted a metal plate.

His girlfriend suffered shock and minor injuries.

Detectives have now launched a probe into the attack and are appealing for witnesses.

Investigating officer Det Con Nick Phillips, of Grays CID, said: “We’re looking for any audience members who may have seen the altercation inside the cinema and also anyone who may have seen the fight outside.

“This is a highly unusual event and so would have caught the attention of passers-by.

“The attack was a sustained one and has shocked us.”

All of the attackers were black. One wore a black T-shirt and black jeans, while another was wore a striped T-shirt.

One of the women wore a brown leather jacket.

Witnesses to the attack, which took place shortly after midnight on Saturday October 24, should call police at Grays on 0300 3334444

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/