Newtown: Off-duty cop seriously injured in assault on Enmore Road
Two off-duty police officers were hospitalised — one in a serious condition — after they were set upon by a group of men in Sydney’s inner west. Watch the shock vision of the aftermath.
Police & Courts
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An off-duty police officer is in hospital with serious injuries after he and a colleague were set upon by a group of men in Newtown on Wednesday night.
Emergency services were called to Enmore Rd shortly before 11pm following reports of an attack.
Police said two off-duty officers, both aged 25, were walking along the roadway when they saw three men arguing.
They approached the group in an attempt to intervene and were assaulted, with one of them knocked to the ground and repeatedly punched and kicked to the head.
The three men ran from the scene before police arrived.
The two off-duty police officers had just attended American singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin’s concert at the Enmore Theatre when they were assaulted by the three men.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said it was a “violent assault” and the footage, obtained by police, was “very distressing to watch”.
“These types of violent crimes are not what we want to see on our streets,” Ms Catley said.
“This is a despicable act on two officers who were out enjoying themselves in this very vibrant part of the city.”
While admitting the injured officer was in a stable but serious condition, Ms Catley said he was still undergoing tests.
A bystander who performed CPR on the off-duty police officer said he had heard a “super loud” noise before finding the man “in the middle of the road (where) he was just completely motionless”.
“What I now can assume is that sound was his head hitting the road,” the bystander, who did not want to be identified, said.
“Anyone that saw the guy, he (looked) very, very unwell.”
The bystander said it was a traumatising experience for everyone involved, with many lined on the streets watching on.
He said an off-duty nurse called paramedics while he performed CPR on the injured man.
The officer was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition, with his now downgraded to stable.
The second officer sustained facial injuries, was treated in hospital, and has now been released.
Ms Catley paid tribute to the bystanders who rendered CPR until emergency services arrived on scene.
“We have such gratitude for you coming in and helping those officers who were injured,” Ms Catley said.
“These are really lifesaving events that took place.”
The sentiment was shared by Inner West Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald who revealed the officer was unconscious for some time “and without their assistance we may be talking about something more serious”.
Ms Fitzgerald said she was unable to detail the extent of officer’s injuries officers.
She added the footage seen by police shows a group of men attacking the officers and the offending lasted for a “matter of minutes” before the trio split up, with two fleeing towards the Enmore Precinct and another running towards King St.
A manhunt is under way and police have urged three persons of interest to hand themselves.
“We will be hunting down those persons of interest, we will be knocking on your door,” Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald said.“If you have anything that you want to say, hand yourself in to police.”
Premier Chris Minns was “devastated” to hear about the “sickening” assault.
“I’m devastated to hear that two off-duty police officers were seriously assaulted last night in the Inner West,” he said in a statement.
“These two men saw an incident, went to assist those involved, and were brutally attacked, this is sickening.
“Every day our police force put their lives on the line to keep us safe – even when they’re not in uniform.
“All of NSW will be thinking of these brave men and their families.”
Shocking footage captured the aftermath on Enmore Rd, typically busy with night-life, as police and paramedics scrambled to save the man’s life.
Horrified onlookers gathered nearby, looking on in horror as emergency crews fought to stabilise the critically injured 26-year-old.
The scene was flooded with flashing lights, with at least half a dozen police cars and ambulances filling the street, which was cordoned off to traffic.
Friends of the victim were seen visibly distraught and speaking to officers.
A crime scene was established, and detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident under Strike Force Rabnor.
On Thursday morning a number of detectives were seen doorknocking businesses and homes on nearby streets.
Forensic officers have also been spotted taking photos inside the Oporto on Enmore Rd.
As inquiries continue, police are seeking to identify three men, the first man described as being of Maori/ Pacific Islander appearance, 20-30 years old, with short curly black hair, wearing a white T-shirt, and dark blue jeans.
The second man is described as being of caucasian appearance, 20-30 years old, wearing a tan colour vest, tan colour cargo pants and black sneakers.
The third man is described as being of Maori/ Pacific Islander appearance, 20-30 years old, with long brown curly hair, long sleeve black strip flannelette shirt, grey trackpants and black slides.
Nearby resident Lynn Stanton said it was “sad” to find out what had happened in the usually “very friendly” and “safe” area.
Anyone with information, CCTV and/or dashcam footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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