My stab terror (From Penarth Times)

My stab terror

A PENARTH man who was viciously stabbed in the arm by a youth is fleeing the town fearing a reprisal from the attack.

The 25-year-old local and his girlfriend are so shaken up by the late-night knifing incident they are quitting the town.

As he packed his bags, the shaken victim told the Times he was watching television at home at approximately 10pm on July 26 when he heard their car alarm going off.

He ran outside, where he witnessed approximately five or six people, all wearing baseball caps and aged between 19 and 25, damaging the couple's small convertible car.

They ran off when they knew they had been spotted. The resident chased them down Church Place South and into a nearby lane, which has four different turn-offs.

The gang then took the turn-off onto Albert Road, leaving one individual behind who ran off in the direction of the beach.

The resident caught up with the individual and a struggle ensued. He was then stabbed in his left forearm and the attacker ran off with the knife.

He said: "I noticed my arm was pouring with blood."

He was taken to hospital, where he had to have 12 stitches on his wound.

Later, the couple realised the vehicle had suffered a damaged wing which will cost around £200 to replace.

But as they explained, it is not the damage to the car they are most concerned about - it is the fear of retaliation that is forcing them to pack up and leave for good.

The victim told the Times: "I have lived in Penarth all my life and have had no problems at all.

"But now I'm leaving as my girlfriend and I are wary of any repercussions that may occur from the attack."

Penarth police are investigating the incident and are appealing for any witnesses to contact them as soon as possible.

The attacker is believed to be white, aged between 18 and 20, 5ft 5in tall, of stocky build, with cropped mousey brown short hair, and wearing a black shell suit-type top, with a hood over his head.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Penarth CID.