Man attacked with hammer in latest underpass assault

A MAN has told how he was attacked with a hammer and robbed in yet another mugging in a notorious city underpass.

• The attack is the latest in a series of incidents

Mark Shaw, 30, was on his way to work on Thursday morning in Sighthill when two thugs set on him from behind, knocked him to the ground with the hammer and stole his phone and wallet.

The food industry worker suffered bruising and cracked ribs but did not require hospital treatment.

It is the latest in a string of attacks in the underpasses beneath Calder Road, strengthening the argument of campaigners who want permanent CCTV introduced.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which occurred at around 9.30am near to the Bankhead Industrial Estate.

Sheffield-born Mr Shaw, who lives in the area, said: "The mental side of it is worse than the physical. It's really upset me, I loved living here and thought everyone was fine with everyone. Now I'm scared to take this route to work.

"In my wallet was a lock of my fiancee's hair, which I'm quite upset about too.

"I was just walking along on the phone, and these two guys came up behind me and I could hear them shouting.

"They struck me on the back of the legs with a hammer, took my stuff and ran off."

The two men are both described as being eastern European, and in their mid-to-late 20s.

The first man is described as being 5ft 9ins, with a stocky build. He was wearing a dark jacket with the hood up.

The second man is described as being slightly shorter at 5ft 7ins, slim, and wearing a grey scarf, which covered the lower half of his face. He also wore light-coloured clothing.

A police spokesman said: "While the victim was not seriously injured, he was understandably shaken as a result of what happened, and we are appealing for anyone with information that can assist us in tracing his two assailants to come forward."

There have been several assaults in the dingy tunnels which go under one of the city's busiest roads.

At the end of last month, masked men robbed a 22-year-old of 1000 worth of electronic goods at knife point.

In August, a teenage girl was assaulted, and earlier this year, a woman's head was smashed against a wall as thieves took a bag of clothes from her.

There has been strong campaigning for safety measures or the full closure of the routes.

Council chiefs recently put on hold plans to build an overground crossing, while another is planned to open next to Napier University's revamped Sighthill campus.

Mr Shaw added: "They should just close them off to stop people getting down there. It is asking for trouble, they are perfect for those people who want to attack or mug others."