Hearts fan dad left with brain injury after brutal attack outside Blackpool hotel

Hearts fan left with brain injury after brutal attack outside Blackpool hotel

A father has been left with a life-changing brain injury after a violent attack outside a hotel following a Hearts football match. John Forsyth, 57, from Tranent in East Lothian, travelled to Blackpool with his daughter to watch the Edinburgh team play Fleetwood in a pre-season friendly on July 27. The dad-of-two was reportedly assaulted outside The Shores hotel after trying to intervene in a dispute between a group of men. John was swiftly taken to hospital and put into an induced coma. Fourteen weeks later, medical professionals are still working on treating his severe head injuries. His family has issued a statement through Lancashire Police, urging witnesses to come forward to identify the attackers.

In a heart-wrenching plea, the family shared, “During a trip away with his daughter, something they have done many times before, John was the victim of an unprovoked attack that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Before the attack, John was always active, had his own business, and coached children’s football in his local community, all of this has now been impacted by a random assault that has left him with life-changing injuries. John’s wife, daughter, son, and wider family and friends have been deeply affected by the random nature of the assault and the consequences of his injury.”

The family continues, “John is still in hospital, thankfully previous medical complications appear to have settled and he is now in rehab. He is also now more aware of what happened and he, and the family, are looking for someone to be held responsible for what has happened to him, which has changed his life significantly and will continue to do so.”

Police have questioned several individuals in connection with the incident, and investigations are ongoing. They are appealing for anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward. Additionally, they are particularly keen to speak to those who were at the Happy Scots bar before 1 am on the night of the assault. Friends of John have expressed shock and support, with one friend saying, “John was jumped and badly beaten by football ‘supporters’ and was put in an induced coma having serious head injuries. He was later described as stable.” Another added, “Absolutely gobsmacked when I heard the news about John. As everyone says, he’s the nicest man in the world. It was a completely unprovoked attack which also resulted in his daughter’s boyfriend receiving a broken nose. Get well soon, John, all of Prestonpans Hearts send their best.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lancashire Police. The family and friends of John Forsyth are seeking justice and hoping for a full recovery from this devastating incident.

Insights and Summary:

The story of John Forsyth’s brutal attack outside a hotel is a tragic reminder of the dangers of violence and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones. It highlights the importance of standing up against unprovoked aggression and the need for accountability in such situations. The heartfelt plea from John’s family for witnesses to come forward underscores the crucial role that community support plays in seeking justice. It is a harrowing yet poignant narrative that serves as a call to action for awareness and vigilance in preventing such senseless acts of violence.