Stabbed soldier 'on road to recovery'

9:52am Thursday 21st February 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

A SOLDIER who was stabbed by a masked assailant while out for his morning run in York, is on the road to recovery.

The Press reported yesterday how Staff Sergeant Iain Bareham was attacked and stabbed in his left buttock during an attack which took place on Towthorpe Lane, York, at approximately 7.20am on Tuesday.

Despite his injuries, Staff Sgt Bareham managed to limp more than a mile back to his barracks before collapsing. He was rushed to York Hospital where he was treated for stab wounds.

Before being stabbed he was struck on the back of his legs with a metal pole, bringing him to the ground.

His father, Norman Bareham, said his son was now on the mend in the barracks medical centre, but said it was important his attacker was caught for the safety of the public.

Mr Bareham, a former police officer, said: "Thankfully, Iain's injuries were not life threatening and he will recover. He felt drained after the incident because he had lost a lot of blood. The knife had nicked a major artery and although it had not severed it, that was enough for him to lose a lot of blood.

"What I find alarming is that somebody can be out alone running along the road and be attacked like this. If they'd do it to my son - who's a man who can look after himself - they'll do it to anyone.

"It's clear his attacker is a danger to the public and needs to be caught to stop this kind of thing happening to anyone else."

Mr Bareham said he hoped anyone with information would come forward and help find his son's attacker.

"I ask anyone who might know something to come forward and help find this dangerous man."

A police spokeswoman said they were still appealing for witnesses who may have information on the assault.

The offender is described as white, about 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build and was wearing a thick, woolly, black balaclava, a dark green or black jacket made of thick material, dark blue jeans and black, Magnum-style boots.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw a man matching his description in the area of Towthorpe Lane or Haxby, or can provide any information relating to the incident, is asked to phone York CID on 0845 60 60 247.

SSgt Bareham spends much of his spare time raising money for fellow troops who have been wounded in battle. In December, he underwent a 24-hour gruelling fitness challenge in aid of Help For Heroes, a charity set up to support wounded soldiers, and raised thousands of pounds.