The father of a knife attack victim today told of his shock at seeing his son battling for survival.
Mick Trotman's son Barry "looked as if he was dead" when he first saw him in hospital after he was knifed in the side in Colchester at the weekend.
He has spent the last few days fighting for his life and he is still in a serious condition.
The attack happened in Greenstead on Saturday night and the 29-year-old victim had to have emergency surgery.
Barry was treated in the high dependency unit before being moved to the intensive care unit.
He spent some time on a hospital ward but had to be moved back to intensive care.
Mr Trotman, 59, who lives in Mill Road, spoke of his shock and anger at what had happened.
He said: "He has had two operations and at least 18 pints of blood. He has got to have oxygen because his lungs are giving him hell."
Mr Trotman, who is disabled, said when he first saw his son after the attack he was "in a really bad state" and "as white as a sheet".
He said: "He looked as if he was dead."
Detectives are still investigating the stabbing, which was believed to have happened in Holborough Close, Greenstead.
They made three arrests. The men, all in their 20s, were released without charge for further inquiries. They are due to return to Colchester police station in July.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack to call Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously,on 0800 555111
Published Friday, May 16, 2003
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