Paper offers reward to catch football thugs; appeal raises £18k for victim in a coma

A regional newspaper in the UK has offered a £1,000 reward to hunt down thugs who left a football fan with life-threatening head injuries.

The Wolverhampton Express and Star hopes the reward will prompt “genuine” Wolves supporters to identify those responsible for an unprovoked attack on Watford fan Nick Cruwys.

Mr Cruwys, a father of two young children, is in an induced coma in hospital after being tripped and kicked in the head following Watford’s 2-2 draw with Wolves on Saturday.

An online appeal to raise funds to help the 44-year-old milkman, set up by a Wolves fan, has so far raised more than £18,000.

Police have said that Mr Cruwys, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, was attacked in Little’s Lane, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, shortly after 5pm as he made his way to the city’s railway station with friends.

Announcing a reward for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, Express and Star editor Keith Harrison said: “Enough is enough.

“We will do whatever we can to help West Midlands Police find these attackers.

“Someone knows who these cowards are. People can call anonymously or even send a text – but we must find these thugs.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Express and Star’s confidential line on 07736 827245 or the Crimestoppers service on 0800 555111.

Wolves fan Ollie Floyd set up the online fundraising appeal for Mr Cruwys on the gofundme site.

Writing on the appeal page, which has attracted support from more than 1,400 well-wishers, Ollie, aged 16, said of the assault on Mr Cruwys: “Those responsible should be absolutely ashamed.

“As a Wolves fan myself, I feel absolutely disgusted by their actions and want to wish Nick a full and speedy recovery. As a token of goodwill and to restore the community’s faith in football, I would like everyone to show that the majority speaks much louder than the cowards that attacked Nick.”

He thanked those who had already donated and said he would be talking to club officials at Watford FC “to find the best way to get the money to Nick”.

Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/o8itrk.