A man who was the victim of a vicious attack in York has been put into an induced coma in hospital.
Chris Baker, 58, was seriously injured after being set upon by three people as he sat by the river in York.
He is now in intensive care at York Hospital and has been put into a medical coma in an attempt to stabilise his condition.
Mr Baker’s facial injuries are so bad that doctors are concerned he might lose his right eye. The pictures on this page were taken by a friend before he went into the coma.
His sisters, wider family and many friends have expressed their shock and disgust that a vulnerable man could be subjected to such unprovoked violence.
One man who has known him for 50 years told YorkMix that the attack happened in broad daylight at around 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday (25 August).
Mr Baker was sitting on a bench next to the River Ouse close to Scarborough Bridge in front of Almery Terrace when he was approached by two men and one woman.
The next thing he knew was “an almighty pain in his face”.
“The first hit knocked him out. He fell off the bench. He said when he came round, there’s a woman stood there saying, ‘I think you’re going to need an ambulance because your face is bleeding’,” the long-time friend told YorkMix.
Where it happened
When Mr Baker checked his pockets he realised they had stolen all his money. His family believe he knew his attackers, and they may have planned the mugging knowing his movements.
His friend said Mr Baker walked with a cane after a major operation some years ago left him debilitated.
“Ever since then, he’s been extremely frail, so he’s a practically disabled man. That’s why everyone’s so disgusted, so shocked and upset.
“Everyone who knows Chris, and a lot of people do know him, say he would do anything for anybody, give you his last pound coin.”
Other friends commented on Facebook about the attack. One said: “This is absolutely horrendous. Chris is one of the nicest men I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing!
“He would have probably given them what they wanted, he’s that kind of man, they didn’t have to do this to him.”
Investigation underway
North Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation into what they described as a “serious assault” on Mr Baker.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “A number of lines of enquiry have been carried out, including officers attending the scene and checking CCTV footage.
“However, detectives want to hear from anyone with information who has yet to speak to the police or anyone who has CCTV footage from around the time of the incident that we may not be aware of.”
If you can help police, you can contact them on the numbers below.
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for William Robertson
- Email William Robertson
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
- Quote reference number 12250160737
