Vicious attack on father-of-two leaves devastated family living in fear (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Vicious attack on father-of-two leaves devastated family living in fear

9:56am Thursday 10th August 2006 in Chippenham By Katie Adams

TERRIFIED Chris Shell says his family is living in fear after vicious thugs left him for dead on his own doorstep.

The 46-year-old father of two, of Charter Road, Chippenham, was on his way to visit a friend when he was attacked from behind and kicked in the head, back and hip repeatedly.

Mr Shell said: "I thought I was going to die and didn't think the attack would stop. It just went on and on.

"I managed to drag myself back to the house, I have no idea how, and then I fell through the door.

"My family could not believe what they were seeing and I still can't understand why this has happened. I'm not sure why these people would want to attack me.

"I have lived in the same area for 15 years but I have never had any trouble over the years, we have spent a good deal of our lives here.

The incident, which happened last Sunday night, left Mr Shell's family distraught and fearing he may not make it through the night.

After being taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath, where he spent several days, he was released with a cracked hip and severe bruising.

He said: "I have to take a huge number of pain killers three times a day and I won't be able to walk for several months."

Sharon Carly, Mr Shell's long- term partner, said all she can remember clearly was hearing a bang when Mr Shell burst through the front door.

She said she assumed it was her sons messing around and couldn't believe what she saw when she opened her living room door.

She said: "When I realised it was Chris lying by the front door I freaked out. I thought he had been stabbed and it brought on a really bad asthma attack.

"All the neighbours came to see if I was okay. I know I called the ambulance. I was in such a panic, it didn't seem real.'' The couple are now worried for their children, Aaron, 14, and James, 12, who they say have been having nightmares since their father was beaten.

Mr Shell said: "I was going to do all these things with my kids this summer like camping and playing basketball and now I can't do anything. I can't even walk."

He said he was glad it was the school holiday because it means his sons will not be vulnerable targets walking to and from class.

Mr Shell said: "This is awful and all the neighbours are very shaken about what has happened. We do however, want to thank everyone for their support. When this happened everyone opened their doors to Sharon and the kids and really looked after them."