Crimewatch joins in hunt for Bexhill attack thug

His victim, Mohammed Bourner, whose father, Peter, farms at Hooe, has been left severely brain damaged by the assault, which occurred on the seafront at De La Warr Parade in the early hours of Saturday, October 29.

The case, codenamed Operation Leverton by local police, was highlighted on BBC1’s Crimewatch at 9pm as Detective Chief Inspector Nick Sloan (pictured), of the Sussex and Surrey Police major crime unit, joined presenters to appeal for the public’s help in putting the culprit before the courts.

Mo and some friends had been walking back into town from a bonfire party on the beach at Glyne Gap when he was hit by a single punch that knocked him to the ground, inflicting such horrific head injuries that at first it was feared he might die.

Now breathing without the aid of life support and able to open his eyes, Mo nevertheless remains gravely ill in Kings College Hospital, Dulwich, where he is receiving specialist treatment and constant medical attention.

His parents have been keeping watch over him, but so far he has failed to recognise them. His Senegalese mother, Rahma Adan, now divorced from his father, told Crimewatch viewers: “Mohammed is a really really lovely boy, kind, such a beautiful young man, looking forward to life.

“Any mother will understand what I mean, I wish that happened to me not Mohammed.”

Mo’s father added: “ He’s peace-loving, likes to go out and enjoy himself. He was really looking forward to going to the beach party with his friends.

“The next thing I knew was any parent’s worst nightmare. Straight into accident and emergency, and there he was, on full life support, he was in such a serious condition.

“To then see him laying there, knowing how lively he was, seems absolutely desperately sad.”

Det Ch Insp Sloan said: “It is more than a month since this vivacious teenager was struck down in an unprovoked attack. I cannot imagine what Christmas is going to be like for his distraught family.

“I am hoping last night’s appeal on BBC Crimewatch, which featured a full reconstruction of the crime and interviews with Mo’s parents and his brain surgeon, will not only touch people emotionally but jog their memories and bring further leads as to who was responsible.”

Det Ch Insp Sloan added: “We believe that Mo’s assailant may well have talked to others about the attack soon after it occurred, and it is their help that is needed now, with the utmost assurance that any approaches made to us will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

“We’re extremely grateful to BBC Crimewatch for featuring the case and helping to focus attention on it.”

Anyone who may be able to help police with their investigation is asked to call 101, to send a private message to Facebook on www.facebook.com/philmays, to text 07786 208090, to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or call at Bexhill police station in Terminus Road.

In all cases, they are asked to quote Operation Leverton.

Around one in three of all cases featured on Crimewatch result in an arrest, with one in five leading to offenders being convicted. All appeals remain on the programme’s website, www.bbc.co.uk/crimewatch until an arrest is made.

• A 20-year-old local man arrested in connection with the investigation has since been released on bail.