VIDEO: Blind man in Burnley mugging ordeal speaks out

A BLIND man who was attacked in the street on his way home from a night out in Burnley has vowed to carry on living life to the full.

Steven Wild was punched in the face by two men who tried to mug him as he walked home after a night at Fulledge Conservative Club.

The 43-year-old, who has learning difficulties and no sense of touch, was left with a bloody nose and had to be taken to hospital after the attack.

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But he said the incident would not stop him venturing out on his own or having a social life.

After leaving the social club in Plumbe Street, Mr Wild said he went to Cha Cha’s takeaway in Yorkshire Street, before heading home.

He walked back along Plumbe Street and into Holmes Street, where the attack took place.

The men asked him for money, but punched him in the face when he told them he did not have any.

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Mr Wild, who is registered blind and usually has a stick to help him get around, said: “I don’t know if they knew I was blind as I didn’t have my stick with me. I think these lads are terrible and I don’t know how they can sleep in their beds at night after doing silly things like this.”

Mr Wild, who is a member and frequent visitor to Fulledge Conservative Club, said: “You can’t let people grind you down. I’m going to keep going.”

Police investigating the incident, which happened at 11-30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19th, have released CCTV footage of two men they would like to speak to.

Det, Sgt Andy Eddleston, of Burnley CID, said: “This was a despicable attack which has disgusted members of the community in the Fulledge area. We have had a good response and the community has shown good support for Steven but there are two men on the CCTV footage we would like to identify. These men could just be witnesses and if they are then I would ask them to come forward. And if anyone knows them I would also urge them to come forward.”

Call Anyone Burnley CID on 01282 472240 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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