Portsmouth community pours out its support for man left fighting for his life after suspected murder bid

THE father of a man left fighting for his life after an attack says he is overwhelmed by the amount of support shown for his beloved son.

Last night, The Brewer’s Arms in Milton Road, Portsmouth, held a fancy-dress party and put buckets on the bar to raise money to help support 25-year-old Barney Butwell.

Pub-goers gave their backing to Barney as it is his local and he is popular with regulars and staff.

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More cash is expected to be collected tonight at an event being held at The Old Barn, part of The Milton Arms on Milton Road.

Barney Butwell, 25, of Portsmouth, who is in a coma at Southampton General Hospital after an incident that led to a woman being arrested for attempted murder. PPP-160427-210359001Barney Butwell, 25, of Portsmouth, who is in a coma at Southampton General Hospital after an incident that led to a woman being arrested for attempted murder. PPP-160427-210359001
Barney Butwell, 25, of Portsmouth, who is in a coma at Southampton General Hospital after an incident that led to a woman being arrested for attempted murder. PPP-160427-210359001

Barney’s father Barry Butwell of North End, says he’s hugely grateful.

Speaking to The News, the 55-year-old said: ‘I can’t tell you how chuffed that all of these people are doing something for my boy. It shows how much he’s loved.

‘It’s brilliant what everyone is doing.’

Mr Butwell says his son remains at Southampton General Hospital.

Barney Butwell, 25, of Portsmouth, who is in a coma at Southampton General Hospital after an incident that led to a woman being arrested for attempted murder. PPP-160427-210359001Barney Butwell, 25, of Portsmouth, who is in a coma at Southampton General Hospital after an incident that led to a woman being arrested for attempted murder. PPP-160427-210359001
Barney Butwell, 25, of Portsmouth, who is in a coma at Southampton General Hospital after an incident that led to a woman being arrested for attempted murder. PPP-160427-210359001
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He said: ‘We have had a few scares along the way, but he is making some form of progress.’

‘He’s been able to give a thumbs up. It’s going to take a long time to get this boy back together.’

Brewer’s Arms barmaid and family friend Nicky Vaughan dressed up for the occasion.

She said: ‘We’re doing this because Barney has always drunk in here. He is a proper character in this pub and we all know who he is.

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‘I want to raise money in support because he is quite close to my son. He is my son’s best friend’s cousin. We know the family really well.

‘We just hope he pulls through. He is such a nice guy – he is the life and soul of the party.’

Chrystal Sherwood, the pub’s landlady, said: ‘He is a lovely bloke.

‘This is about supporting him and his family as much as we can.

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A 21-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident at a house in Timpson Road, Portsmouth. She has been bailed until June 22.

Barney was left in a critical condition and taken to Southampton General Hospital in the early hours of Saturday April 2.