NHS worker in Bristol 'lucky to be alive' after 'racially aggravated' hit and run
An NHS worker has said he is "lucky to be alive" after being attacked in a "racially aggravated" hit and run incident.
The unnamed 21-year-old had his leg, nose and cheekbone broken in the attack and will require plastic surgery to his face and leg.
A car was deliberately driven at the man as he walked home from his job at Bristol's Southmead Hospital at around 4.30pm last Wednesday, according to witnesses.
Two men apparently shouted racist abuse at the victim, before running from the dark blue Honda Accord.
The incident is being treated as "racially aggravated" by Avon and Somerset Police, adding it could have resulted in death.
The man, who has been recording music since 2017, said he wanted to raise awareness about racism.
In a statement through police, he said: "I have six months' recovery ahead of me, minimum.
"I have a broken leg, nose and cheekbone, will need plastic surgery to my face and leg and am walking on crutches.
"I don't want this to happen to anyone else, I want people to be aware."
He was taken to hospital immediately following the incident, but was discharged the following day.
He thanked those who stepped in to help him after the attack, as well as his NHS colleagues, witnesses, police and the charity Sari (Stand Against Racism & Inequality).
"I don't feel safe to walk outside and I can't play football, record my music, go to the gym or even sleep - I have to try to sleep sitting up," he said.
He has appealed for privacy during what he called a "really difficult time", adding: "We will bounce back as a family, this will make us stronger. We won't let the haters win."
The man's mother said the situation was a "waking nightmare", adding she found it upsetting that her son could no longer do the things he enjoys, such as playing football and going to work.
In a statement, Sari described the incident as "horrific".
"We will be doing all we can on behalf of this young man and his family to try and get justice served," the charity said.
"We would like to thank the police for their hard work to date as they proceed with their investigation.
"We very much hope that the offenders will be identified, charged and prosecuted as swiftly as possible so this appalling crime can be dealt with as it should and to prevent harm to anyone else."
Andrea Young, the chief executive of North Bristol NHS Trust, said she was "incredibly saddened" to hear about the incident, adding: "The police believe this to have been a racially aggravated attack and we are horrified that this is something that has happened to one of our friends and colleagues.
"Racism, in any form, has no place in our society and that an attack such as this can happen is shocking."
Police closed Monks Park Avenue while investigations took and recovered the car used in the attack. Officers have also interviewed the victim, carried out door-to-door interviews and looked at CCTV footage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force online or by phoning 101, quoting reference number 5220163308.
They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
