Teen Ballet Dancer Critical After iPhone Attack

A promising ballet dancer is fighting for his life after being robbed of his iPhone in a vicious attack in Cardiff at the weekend.

Jack Widdowson, from Bath, is in intensive care with serious neck injuries following the assault which police have described as "appalling".

His father Julian said: "We are all appalled by this unprovoked, mindless violent attack in this great city where I was born.

"Jack is a very entertaining person who is very well loved by all who know and work with him."

Police believe Jack was targeted during a night out in the city centre with his brother, a former semi-professional rugby player who is now studying at Cardiff University.

His attacker began walking with him in the Bute Terrace area, Cardiff Bay, at about 12.45am on Saturday, officers said.

He was found unconscious in the street at around 2am and taken to University Hospital of Wales.

His father Dr Widdowson added: "Jack has always been physically, mentally and emotionally strong, which enabled him to pursue a career in dance.

"This August he was thrilled to have been chosen as one of the youngest ever members of Bern Ballet Dance Company where he had the privilege to dance one of the lead roles in the company's winter production.

"We were so proud to see him perform in the premier last Thursday."

Detective chief inspector Andy Davies said officers were keen to trace a man who was seen walking with Jack shortly before his attack.

He said: "The man wanted is described as mixed race, wearing a white-striped polo T-shirt with a dark coloured motif on the left breast, blue jeans and white trainers.

"We are making good progress with the investigation, but we need people to contact us with any information they have in relation to this appalling incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cardiff Central CID on 02920 527420 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.