Suspect released pending further inquiries after attack near St Mary's Church, Dover
17:21, 10 November 2019
updated: 17:21, 10 November 2019
A man, arrested following an attack near a Dover church, has been released pending further investigations.
The family of Jake McDonald, 25, who was seriously attacked in the early hours of yesterday morning revealed his ear was left "hanging by a thread" yesterday.
He had been set upon near St Mary's Church in Cannon Street suffering a deep gash to his neck and leaving his ear hanging off.
Pictures posted on Facebook by his sister, Kirstie Godfrey, show his battered and bloodied face, with the swelling so bad he can barely open his eyes.
Ms Godfrey said at the time he was in hospital and awaiting surgery to reconstruct his jaw, due to happen today.
The 27-year-old says she burst into tears when she first saw her brother in hospital.
"I never cry but I couldn't help it when I saw him," she said. "His face was a mess and his head was still bleeding," she said
"He's also got a deep gash in his neck, chunks out of his arm and his hands have been cut badly..." Kirstie Godfrey
Mr McDonald's teeth have been reportedly pushed back and his jaw is "in pieces" after the attack in Cannon Street at about 2.30am yesterday (Saturday).
Police were called to the scene by paramedics.
Officers cordoned the scene off so forensics specialists could carry out investigations.
He had been enjoying a night out at the The Duchess pub in Bench Street before.
She said: "He doesn't remember much.
"We don't know why he was attacked, but his money and phone were stolen."
Ms Godfrey says she has been overwhelmed by the support offered to her brother and the family in the aftermath of the assault.
"We'd like to thank everyone for getting in touch - it really means a lot," she said.
"Now we just want justice for what happened and for someone to be held responsible."
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault yesterday morning and taken into custody.
