Father and son attacked
08:23, 23 May 2011
Musician Alan Lawrence is lucky to be alive after being repeatedly kicked in the head by a gang of thugs in an unprovoked attack.
The 54-year-old suffered a brain haemorrhage when he was knocked unconscious by youths who targeted him and his son at Strood railway station.
Mr Lawrence was travelling home to Gillingham from a gig with Mike, 20, when about six thugs targeted them because his shoes made him “sound like a horse”.
He was saved when his son stepped in to shield him from the blows, but suffered a broken nose and bruising himself.
Mr Lawrence said: “If they had managed to give me one more kick in the head I could have died. I’ve got my son to thank for that – he saved my life.”
He is now recovering at home after spending three days in hospital and is quitting his job because of the ordeal.
Mr Lawrence, who is a manager at St Martin’s Hospital, in Canterbury, said: “The whole thing has shocked me so much. The trauma of it has made me rethink my life and what’s important."
The gang fled when a guard locked all the doors to a train that had pulled into the station so they could not get on.
The attack is being investigated by British Transport Police. DC Andy Devereese said: “This was an unprovoked attack and I am urging anyone with any information to get in touch.”
Witnesses are asked to phone police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.