Man left fighting for life after double Portsmouth street attack - update

Police have given an update after a man was left to die in a Portsmouth street after being attacked.

Officers were called at around 10pm on Saturday, October 31, following reports that a man had been attacked by multiple people near Cottage Grove in Southsea, as reported.

The victim, in his 60s, was reportedly repeatedly kicked in the head during the assault. Police were also told that one of the attackers had a knife and that the man's phone and wallet had been stolen.

Emergency services attended and found the critically ill man in Cottage Grove. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, police previously said. The force, in an update, has now said the man is in a “stable” condition but remains in hospital.

While dealing with the incident, officers received a second report of an assault on Somers Road. A man in his 20s was found at a nearby address and taken to hospital with serious injuries to his leg and hand.

As part of their investigation, police charged two people. Alfie Doswell, 18, of Cottage Grove, Southsea, has been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm, two counts of assault by beating, possession of a bladed article in a public place, threatening with an article with a blade or point or offensive weapon, robbery and affray.

A 17-year-old boy from Luton has also been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a bladed article in a public place. and robbery. They were both remanded in custody.

Both teenagers are due to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, November 13, with a provisional trial date set for April 26.