"Polite" young man left with hole in cheek after knife-point robbery in Emsworth
The gang were looking for targets
A well-known and “polite” young man was left with a hole in his cheek after being the victim of a knife-point attack by a gang of men wearing balaclavas.
The victim, George Emery-Oiller, was set upon in broad daylight last month in gardens by North Street in Emsworth after being targeted.
The attackers made off with his “beloved” ENGWE M20 electric bike which he had saved up for himself and uses as his mode of transport.
During the horror attack George was threatened with a knife and struck in the face with an object, leaving him with a serious injury to his cheek that required maxillofacial surgery. He now has a scar on his face.
Family friend Giles Usher told The News: “A group of men in balaclavas were looking for targets and targeted George. He went to the gardens and that’s where he was accosted by the group.
“One of them had a knife and George was hit in the face with an object leaving a hole in his cheek before they stole his bike.
“He needed massive facial surgery and now has a little scar. He’s physically fine but it took its toll on his mental wellbeing. No one has been arrested.”
Giles said George is a “hardworking, polite young man” who is often seen waiting tables at the Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club/Westbourne Cafe, where he is “well liked by customers and colleagues alike”.
“His main mode of transport was his beloved electric bike, which he had worked hard to save for and purchased himself. Over time, he customised it, making it something he was incredibly proud of and very personal to him,” Giles said.
A GoFundMe was set up which has raised £1,400 of its £1,600 target to help pay for a new electric bike. “It’s been a good result, he feels like people care. A lot of people know him in the area,” Giles said.
Writing on the fundraiser, Giles added: “For many of us, it's difficult to believe that something like this could happen in Emsworth, especially in broad daylight. While this fundraiser is intended to help George recover financially from what happened, it also serves as a reminder for all of us to remain vigilant and keep our young people safe.
“I know times are tough and many people are feeling the financial strain. However, if you know George, or if his story resonates with you, any contribution - no matter how small - would help him replace his bike and move forward from this traumatic experience.
“Most importantly, I hope that the kindness and generosity of our community will help restore some of George's faith in human nature after such a terrible ordeal.
“Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help spread the word and raise awareness.”
To donate go to: www.gofundme.com/f/support-george-after-a-violent-bike-theft