Detectives appeal to football fans after 'hammer attack' leaves teenager, 17, seriously injured

CCTV: Detectives want to speak to the man pictured
Hampshire Police
Laura Proto23 April 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Police investigating a suspected hammer attack on a teenage girl have appealed for witnesses at a league football match.

Officers believe the attack on the 17-year-old girl, which is being treated as attempted murder, may have links to the sex trade.

Portsmouth FC showed a witness appeal on their screens during their match against Wycombe Wanderers at Fratton Park on Saturday.

Detectives previously issued a £5,000 reward for the arrest and successful prosecution of the attacker and a CCTV image has been released of a man they want to speak to in connection with the attack.

The brutal assault, which left the teenager with life-changing injuries, happened in Shearer Road, Portsmouth, shortly before 7pm on April 11.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Williams, from Hampshire Constabulary, said: “We have had a very positive response to our appeals for information so far but we are continuing to use every opportunity to engage with the community to identify this man.

“We believe someone knows who he is and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward. This was a vicious attack on a 17-year-old girl and she has been left with life-changing injuries.

“There is a £5,000 reward on offer for information that leads to a successful prosecution in this case so I would urge people to look at this CCTV and contact either the police or Crimestoppers.”

Hampshire Constabulary said they are treating the incident as “isolated” and are investigating whether the address was specifically targeted due to links with the sex trade.

Portsmouth Chief Inspector Jim Pegler said: “Clearly we need to hear from anyone who has any information about this crime but we understand people may be nervous about contacting police.

“We also understand that people involved in sex work may be concerned about their safety and wellbeing and there are agencies they can talk to other than the police if they want advice.”

Anyone with information should call Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting Operation Gather. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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