Man suffered baseball bat beating

Feb 9 2010 by Bryan Brough, Paisley Daily Express

A MAN was beaten black and blue with a baseball bat while customers in a busy shop looked on in horror.

The 23-year-old victim was attacked outside the shop in Glenburn, Paisley but was so terrified he ran into the business for shelter.

But it didn’t stop the thug.

He followed the victim inside and the brutal beating continued in front of shocked customers and staff.

In a desperate bid to stop the repeated battering the victim jumped over the shop counter.

At this stage brave store staff stepped in and the attacker walked out of the business and disappeared.

Yesterday police appealed for witnesses to the terrible assault that happened in broad daylight.

The injured man was rushed to Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital where he needed urgent treatment for a head gash.

Sources said an incident started outside the Day-Today convenience store in Skye Crescent in Glenburn, Paisley about 5.20pm on Saturday.

One woman told the Express: “A man was getting beaten up by another man with a baseball bat.

“He kept hammering him about the head and upper body. The one getting attacked put up his arms to protect his head.

“But he still suffered a head wound and the rest of his body must have been black and blue.

“The next thing one of the men ran into the Day-Today store, probably seeking help and shelter, but the baseball bat man followed him in.”

The woman went on: “There were customers, about five or six, and staff inside the store and they couldn’t believe their eyes.

“There was no respite in the beating and there was no mercy shown. It was relentless.

“I don’t know what the victim is supposed to have done but it must have been something unforgivable.

“I know customers didn’t want to get involved but staff were forced to step in when the injured man jumped over the counter.

“It was at that stage the beating stopped. The whole experience was traumatic.”

No one at the shop was available for comment but they all appeared to be in shock.

It’s understood the attack was caught on the store’s CCTV.

One officer said inquiries were continuing and they were looking at video footage.

In an appeal for witnesses a police spokesman said: “A number of people saw what happened and we want them to come forward with information.

“Whatever you can tell us we would like to hear from you. Ring Paisley Police Office on 0141 532 5900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”