Police apologise after case closed for Great Cornard attack

Andy Cox was left with multiple serious injuries, including a fractured eye socket, after an assault in the car park at Cornard United FC to the south of Great Cornard on March 14. 

The 60-year-old described being surrounded by a group of men after challenging anti-social behaviour. 

Scene of attack at Cornard United Football Club (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Cox said he was knocked unconscious during the attack, and when he woke up there was a large pool of blood next to him. 

He was able to walk to a friend's house in Canhams Road when he collapsed and the emergency services were called. 

WARNING – SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND THE IMAGES BELOW DISTRESSING

Mr Cox found out that his case had been dropped after a letter from Suffolk police was delivered to his house. 

Detective superintendent Nicola Wallace has now said: “I completely understand how distressing this outcome is for the victim of this offence and anyone else who is subjected to a criminal act.

“On this occasion the level of service provided to Mr Cox has fallen below that which he should have expected and we would wish to provide. We should have reached out to Mr Cox to update him on the case and explain any decisions that had been made. We can only apologise for this.

“We have made contact with Mr Cox and will be meeting with him to both apologise and give him the appropriate updates, as should have been done in the first instance. 

Andy Cox was left with serious injuries following the attack (Image: Andy Cox)

“Despite a significant investigation which looked at multiple lines of enquiry, officers have been unable to identify those responsible for this vicious attack.

“The investigating officers identified and reviewed CCTV, explored forensic opportunities, interviewed several people who were in the area and shared a witness appeal to the public. Unfortunately, there were no new leads to establish enough evidence to identify those responsible at this time. 

“If any further information comes to light, then officers will of course re-open the investigation and engage further with Mr Cox. The impact on any victim of violent attacks should never be underestimated. Suffolk Constabulary’s priority should always be to focus on supporting victims.” 

Andy Cox was left in hospital for two months following the attack (Image: Andy Cox)

Mr Cox said he was "distraught" when he found out the investigation had been closed. 

He said: "I won't be intervening with anything anymore. If I see anything untoward I will just walk away and ignore it."

Mr Cox said his quality of life has dropped massively since the assault.

"I went into a very deep dark pit," he added.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said officers continue to appeal for witness or anyone with information to come forward, quoting crime reference number 37/15225/23.