A 36-year-old man is struggling to walk after being stabbed 20 times in an unprovoked attack in Stratford. Tom Savage was walking his dog in Mirabelle Gardens in August when a stranger approached him, lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a screwdriver, and said, “I don’t like you very much.”
Mr Savage tried to run but was struck on the head and stabbed repeatedly, including in the spine. He lost all feeling from the chest down and later woke up in a trauma ward. The attack left him unable to walk properly or see clearly, and he has also lost his sense of taste and smell.
During his hospital stay, he developed an infection that affected his brain and spine. Surgeons removed his sinus due to the risk of a fatal cold. Doctors have said it could take up to two years for him to recover, though some effects may be permanent.
Ward councillor Nate Higgins said the community was devastated by the attack and has been supporting Mr Savage. Detective Sergeant Simon Wheeler of the local CID confirmed the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting reference 7524/19AUG.
Mr Savage remains at home, working on regaining mobility. His short-term goal is to be able to walk his dog again before Christmas.
