A 55-year-old disabled man in Glasgow has been left terrified after four thugs burst into his home and beat him, an attack he described as being like a "pack of wild animals".
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous over fears of repercussions, was attacked at his property in the Anderston area of Glasgow on October 31. The retired office administrator, who has hearing loss, Asperger's and autism, was savagely beaten after he asked the gang to keep the noise down in a common close.
After approaching the group, they launched a brutal assault, stamping on his head, eye sockets and body. He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he was treated for concussion and gashes across his arms, abdomen and face.
Victim's Account of the Attack
Speaking to the Record, the vulnerable man said: "They were monsters, like wild animals. I asked them to keep the noise down and they beat me black and blue."
"Four of them laid into me, firstly by punching me. When I hit the ground, they lay their boots into my eye sockets, head and my body. It was agonising. When I managed to crawl back to my flat, I was shaking and terrified. They threatened to kill me."
Images shared with the Record show the resident covered in blood with cuts across his nose, head and arms, as well as bruising in his bloodshot eyes.
Housing Concerns and Anti-Social Behaviour
The Glasgow West Housing Association (GWHA) tenant says he faced a sustained period of anti-social behaviour by the local yobs before the attack. He claims they used drugs outside his home and caused chaos in the common close.
The tenant says he is now facing having to flee his property after claiming his housing association advised him to declare himself as homeless. He said: "I'm terrified now. I'm living in absolute terror not knowing if I will bump into them again. I have been advised to declare myself as homeless because of this, but why should I give up my home when I am the victim?"
"I am multiply disabled and chronically ill. These people launched a very violent assault on me. I fear for my life and feel that my life is in danger here. I'm absolutely petrified about all of this and what has happened to me. This wasn't any random pub scuffle or altercation or light fight, this was a serious assault right on my doorstep, yet I am the one being told to go homeless."
"For months, there has been drug misuse near my home and loud and anti-social behaviour. I don't feel like I am being protected at all. I just want to live in peace. I feel like I could lose my home and shelter because of this, and I didn't lift a single finger."
Official Responses
A spokesperson for GWHA said: "GWHA is aware of this matter and has been in direct contact with the tenant concerned to offer support and guidance. We take all reports concerning tenant safety seriously."
"Whilst Police Scotland remains responsible for investigating the incident reported, GWHA will continue to support those enquiries where appropriate. We can also confirm that a referral has been made to our anti-social behaviour partner, Glasgow City Council's Community Relations Unit."
"The association has provided advice regarding the housing options available. Where a tenant believes they cannot safely remain in their home and requires urgent or emergency accommodation, Glasgow City Council, as the statutory homelessness authority, is responsible for assessing homelessness applications and determining what assistance may be available. Guidance and support to access this service has been offered to the tenant concerned."
A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: "The tenant contacted homelessness services for assistance and was provided with advice appropriate at the time. If his circumstances have since changed we encourage him to contact Health and Social Care Connect in order that we can offer assistance with emergency accommodation."
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Inquiries are ongoing."
