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Mother appeals over brutal attack Mother appeals over brutal attack
(about 10 hours later)
The family of a North East soldier who is fighting for his life after being beaten unconscious have appealed for help to catch his attackers.The family of a North East soldier who is fighting for his life after being beaten unconscious have appealed for help to catch his attackers.
Christopher Smith, 18, from Hartlepool was assaulted on 5 November after a night out in the town. Christopher Smith, 18, from Hartlepool was assaulted on 5 November after a night out on the town.
He is in a critical condition in Hartlepool General Hospital, where his family are keeping a bedside vigil.He is in a critical condition in Hartlepool General Hospital, where his family are keeping a bedside vigil.
Mr Smith's mother, Pauline Cornforth, described the attack near the Sun Inn on Durham Road as brutal and cowardly.Mr Smith's mother, Pauline Cornforth, described the attack near the Sun Inn on Durham Road as brutal and cowardly.
The victim and his friend, Simon Lamb, passed a group of people arguing outside the pub shortly before they were assaulted.The victim and his friend, Simon Lamb, passed a group of people arguing outside the pub shortly before they were assaulted.
Mrs Cornforth said: "As Christopher and Simon walked past they were attacked from behind. It was a brutal and cowardly attack which left our son in critical care.Mrs Cornforth said: "As Christopher and Simon walked past they were attacked from behind. It was a brutal and cowardly attack which left our son in critical care.
"We are praying that the dedication and skill of the medical staff who are working round the clock can help him pull through."We are praying that the dedication and skill of the medical staff who are working round the clock can help him pull through.
Mr Smith's family are keeping a vigil at his bedsideMr Smith's family are keeping a vigil at his bedside
"Someone, somewhere knows something, has seen something or has been told something about this terrible, cowardly attack.""Someone, somewhere knows something, has seen something or has been told something about this terrible, cowardly attack."
Mr Lamb was treated in hospital for cuts, bruises and swelling to his face and body.Mr Lamb was treated in hospital for cuts, bruises and swelling to his face and body.
Following the incident, five men aged between 17 and 21 and an 18-year- old woman were arrested on suspicion of wounding. They have since been released on bail.Following the incident, five men aged between 17 and 21 and an 18-year- old woman were arrested on suspicion of wounding. They have since been released on bail.
Det Insp Craig Hobbs from Cleveland Police said: "How one human being can inflict that on another is beyond belief.Det Insp Craig Hobbs from Cleveland Police said: "How one human being can inflict that on another is beyond belief.
"We would ask people to look to their conscience. They may think the information they hold it is of no importance - let us be the judge of that."We would ask people to look to their conscience. They may think the information they hold it is of no importance - let us be the judge of that.
"No matter how small it is, it could prove vital to us.""No matter how small it is, it could prove vital to us."