Northern Beaches assault: Man, 26 still critical two days after Fairlight bashing

A man, 26, is still in a critical condition two days after an alleged assault at Delwood Beach where he was enjoying the company of friends after emerging from the northern beaches COVID lockdown.

Police at the rock platform between Delwood and Fairlight beaches, where a 26-year-old North Narrabeen man was allegedly assaulted by four others on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

A man is still in a critical condition two days after he was allegedly assaulted when two groups of revellers clashed near a popular Sydney beach.

The alleged victim, 26, from North Narrabeen, was celebrating with friends coming out of the northern beaches‘ Covid lockdown on Sunday afternoon.

Police said the man — who needed emergency surgery — was punched and fell backwards onto rocks between popular Delwood and Fairlight beaches about 4.30pm.

A man was attacked by four others near Delwood Beach, Fairlight. Picture: Manly Daily

The Manly Daily understands that alcohol was being consumed at the site of the alleged incident.

Witnesses have told police the injured man was with friends when they were approached by another group of four men.

The two groups did not know each other.

Police are yet to lay any charges.

The Manly Daily has been told that a punch was thrown, out of the blue, during a verbal altercation. He fell backwards and struck the back of his head, sustaining a serious head injury.

A detective from Northern Beaches Police speaks with two witnesses, who are not suspected of any wrongdoing, on Monday at the scene of the alleged assault on a North Narrabeen man at Fairlight on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

When ambulance paramedics arrived the man was conscious. He was stabilised at the scene before being taken to Northern Beaches hospital.

His condition later deteriorated and he was transferred to Royal North Shore hospital at St Leonards.

The Manly Daily was told the alleged victim and his friends were making the most of the sunshine after he was involved in the three-week Covid lockdown in the northern end of the northern beaches.

Northern Beaches detectives have been interviewing witnesses at the scene of the alleged crime.

The beach, on North Harbour, a 10-minute walk west from the Manly ferry wharf, is popular with young families due to its calm swimming conditions.

“The injured man was struck to the back of the head, causing him to fall with his head striking the ground,” A NSW Police spokeswoman said.

“The group involved have been described as being two males of caucasian appearance and two males of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance.”

Royal North Shore Hospital. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone

A spokesman from Royal North Shore Hospital said on Monday afrernoon that the man remained in a critical condition.

Detectives from Northern Beaches Police Area Command are investigating the attack, and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward to police.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.