East Grinstead attack victim unaware of brain injury
The victim of an unprovoked attack almost died after not realising the seriousness of his injury, for more than a month.
The 53-year-old man was hit in the face and head by three men in East Grinstead in July, but did not report it.
Then, while on a family holiday abroad in August, he started suffering headaches before becoming unable to recognise family and friends.
He later underwent surgery for a life-threatening brain injury.
A Sussex Police spokesman said when the man returned from holiday, he went for a scan and on 13 September, was rushed to Hurstwood Park neurological unit in Haywards Heath and the attack was reported to the force.
The victim is now recovering from emergency brain surgery.
The three attackers, described as white and in their early 20s, had been sitting on a bench with a woman outside the Energie fitness club in London Road before the assault.
Det Con Karrie Bohanna said: "This was a nasty unprovoked attack that could have proved fatal.
"If the victim had not been with his family when his condition worsened he might not have got the treatment he needed in time."
She appealed for witnesses and the man's attackers to come forward.
"As the victim did not appear too seriously hurt after the assault, anyone who saw what happened may not have come forward yet but I would urge them to do so," she said.
"Also, if you were one of the men involved in the attack I would urge you to contact us.
"You may not have realised how badly injured the victim was but we need to speak to you."