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Rochester High Street attack: Jake Barguss remains in Medway hospital

12:22, 30 January 2020

updated: 12:48, 30 January 2020

A 28-year-old victim of a street attack is showing signs of improvement in hospital.

Jake Barguss was left with a bleed on his brain after being punched to the ground and hitting his head during a night out.

Medway Maritime Hospital
Medway Maritime Hospital

He was with his older brother Sam in Rochester High Street when they were approached by three men.

The incident happened early Saturday outside The Jolly Knight and King's Head pubs.

Speaking this morning, Sam said although his brother's condition had been "touch and go", he is showing signs of improvement.

The 30-year-old was been by his sibling's bedside at Medway Maritime Hospital since the unprovoked attack.

Medics initially had to administer medication to reduce swelling to his brain.

Jake Barguss was attacked outside the Jolly Knight pub in High Street, Rochester
Jake Barguss was attacked outside the Jolly Knight pub in High Street, Rochester

He said: "He is able to hobble and talk a little, although he's not making much sense.

"Thankfully he can't remember a thing."

Sam, who lives with Jake in Strood, said initially he was concerned the police were not take the matter seriously.

In desperation, he threatened to post footage of the attack on social media identifying the suspects.

Yesterday afternoon, the police issued an appeal for information, five days after the incident.

Police are appealing for video footage from people in Rochester town centre on Friday night
Police are appealing for video footage from people in Rochester town centre on Friday night

Sam added: "It's a shame it had to come to that, but I thought I had to do something.

"I'm now happy that things are happening and it is being taken seriously."

"Jake's not out of the woods yet. But it's looking more positive."

Detective Sergeant Sam Stuart, of Medway CID, said: "We are investigating a number of lines of inquiry but believe there may be people who witnessed the incident who have not yet come forward.

Jake Barguss was rushed to Medway Maritime Hospital with a bleed on the brain
Jake Barguss was rushed to Medway Maritime Hospital with a bleed on the brain

"We are also interested in any drivers who may have dashcam footage from the high street area between 11.30pm on Friday and 1.30am Saturday."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information they think is relevant, is asked to call 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/151410/20

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