Man 'kicked in the face and stamped on in horrific pub assault after England World Cup loss'

A 55-year-old man was allegedly kicked in the face and stamped on in a brutal assault outside a pub after England’s World Cup semi-final loss.

The man suffered a fractured eye socket and needed four stitches following the horrific attack, according to the Met.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the alleged assault at about 10pm last Wednesday, hours after England were knocked out the World Cup by losing to Croatia.

The man had gone for a cigarette outside of west London pub, The Elm, on North End Road, before he was attacked. He had gone there with his family.

The pub closed for business but another man approached and tried to enter the pub. After being told he couldn’t, he lashed out and hit the 55-year-old man in the face.

In a statement, police said: “A witness went out to stop the attack and found the victim being kicked in the face and having his head stamped on.”

The brave witness managed to pull a suspect from the man and the police were called. While waiting for emergency services, another kind bystander performed first aid on the man at the scene.

Police have said a suspect was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. The man claimed he had been acting in self-defence.

Detective Constable Natalie Steele, from Hammersmith and Fulham CID, said: “Although we have arrested a suspect, we are still really keen for any witnesses to come forward and speak to us, so that we have full account of what happened.”

A suspect has been bailed to a date in early August.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the attack is asked to call 101 and quote 9198/11 July. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.