Police update after veteran assaulted in Great Cornard

Andy Cox was left with multiple serious injuries including a fractured eye socket after an alleged assault in the car park at Cornard United Football Club on March 14 last year. 

Since the attack, Mr Cox says he now suffers with panic attacks and night terrors as a result of the incident.

On the night of March 14 he walked to the Country Park in Blackhouse Lane when he heard a commotion coming from the football club car park. 

Andy Cox was seriously injured during the attack(Image: Andy Cox)

Mr Cox walked to the football club where he said he saw multiple cars doing donuts. 

After asking them to leave, Mr Cox said two of the men became verbally abusive but left after about 10 minutes. 

He said about 15 minutes after they left a large group returned. 

"They formed a half circle around me," Mr Cox said. 

"I then got punched from the right hand-side so when I turned to defend myself I then got punched from the left hand-side. 

"I then felt a large heavy blow to my face which was a kick. 

"In between all this all I could hear was females shouting 'go on get him'". 

In April 2023 police arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of assault. He was initially bailed, however Suffolk police has confirmed he will face no further action in relation to the incident. 

An 18-year-old man was arrested in May this year on suspicion of assault and was questioned by officers before being released under investigation. 

A police cordon in the football club car park (Image: Newsquest)

In June a 21-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault and she has since also been released under investigation.

Mr Cox said he was knocked unconscious during the alleged attack and when he woke up there was a large pool of blood next to him. 

He was able to walk to a friend's house in Canhams Road when he collapsed and the emergency services were called. 

Last year the Mr Cox found out that his case had been dropped by Suffolk police after a letter was delivered to his house. 

Andy Cox was left in hospital for two months following the attack (Image: Andy Cox)

However police say the investigation into the attack is still ongoing. 

Detective Inspector Cat Thompson said: “This investigation is ongoing, and officers actively continue to pursue lines of enquiry and potential suspects.

“The injuries the victim suffered were serious and long-lasting. If anyone has any information that can help bring those to responsible to justice, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, please contact police.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference number 37/15225/23.