Miss-Delectable

Signing PC helps victim of mugging

A DEAF man who had been attacked in Camden Town was rescued by a passing policeman trained in sign language.

With blood pouring out of his mouth, the 25-year-old stumbled into two police officers patrolling the area shortly after the assault.

He was able to relate what had happened because one of the officers knew sign language.

They took him back to the bloodstained scene of the attack, where they found his tooth and bits of his hearing aid.

The victim had been waiting for a bus after a night out with friends when he was befriended by two Asian men in Bayham Street at 1.30am.

They led him down nearby Carol Street, where they punched and kicked him, knocking out a tooth and cutting his bottom lip.

He was taken to the Royal Free Hospital for treatment but released shortly afterwards.

Linda Isaac, head of information, advice, advocacy and employment at the Royal Association for Deaf People, said: "I'm obviously appalled by news of this attack but the fact that the police officer could sign must have been of great comfort to the victim.

"I know that many constabularies are working hard to improve access for deaf people but progress is often slow. "This case is a great example of how deaf awareness training and basic signing skills can make a huge difference in an emergency.

"I hope we will see many more signing policemen in the future."

The suspects, both around 5ft 10in, made off with £25 and credit cards.

One of the suspects was wearing a red jacket, blue jeans, and had short cropped black hair.

The other was wearing a light coloured shirt and blue jeans.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Elizabeth Roberts on 020-8733 6966 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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