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Halifax Water Lane assault: Was robbery the motive?
DETECTIVES investigating a violent assault on a man as he walked home from a party believe he may have been followed by his attacker.
Police have released CCTV footage of Gary Mason as he headed along Union Street South towards Hunger Hill, in Halifax - click here to see the footage.
The chilling images captured early on Saturday morning show another man close behind.
Moments later, Mr Mason, a single man of Siddal, Halifax, was attacked as he walked under the bridge on Water Lane.
Two men, in Water Lane, saw Mr Mason being punched.
They chased the attacker, who ran back up towards Union Street South and Heath View Street, before losing sight of him.
Detective Chief Insp Mark Ridley, of West Yorkshire Police's homicide and major inquiry team, said they had not ruled out robbery as a motive.
"We are staying open minded about a motive but it is possible that Mr Mason was being robbed and the passers-by disturbed the suspect.
"What we know about Mr Mason is that he is a very decent, hard-working man, of good character, well known in the area. Why he has been targeted like this is a mystery."
Mr Mason, a sales administrator at Hargreaves Foundry is critical at Leeds General Infirmary. He is being kept heavily sedated.
On the night of the attack, Mr Mason was at a party at the Irish Centre, in West Parade, Halifax.
Detective Chief Insp Ridley said he was confident local people would know the attacker.
"The suspect fled along back streets," he said. "We are confident this man knew the area well and that local people will recognise his description."
The attacker is described as a white man, slim to medium build, early 20s, short cropped hair at the sides and a distinctive bottom lip.
Anyone with information should ring Calderdale CID on 01422 337085 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Halifax
Saturday 11 February 2012
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