Father and son attacked
Published: 08:23, 23 May 2011
Musician Alan Lawrence is lucky to be alive after being repeatedly kicked in the head by a gang of thugs in an unprovoked attack.
The 54-year-old suffered a brain haemorrhage when he was knocked unconscious by youths who targeted him and his son at Strood railway station.
Mr Lawrence was travelling home to Gillingham from a gig with Mike, 20, when about six thugs targeted them because his shoes made him “sound like a horse”.
He was saved when his son stepped in to shield him from the blows, but suffered a broken nose and bruising himself.
Mr Lawrence said: “If they had managed to give me one more kick in the head I could have died. I’ve got my son to thank for that – he saved my life.”
He is now recovering at home after spending three days in hospital and is quitting his job because of the ordeal.
Mr Lawrence, who is a manager at St Martin’s Hospital, in Canterbury, said: “The whole thing has shocked me so much. The trauma of it has made me rethink my life and what’s important."
The gang fled when a guard locked all the doors to a train that had pulled into the station so they could not get on.
The attack is being investigated by British Transport Police. DC Andy Devereese said: “This was an unprovoked attack and I am urging anyone with any information to get in touch.”
Witnesses are asked to phone police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Read more
MedwayMore by this author
Sarah Clarke