A man has been arrested after a serving soldier was hospitalised following a hit and run on New Year’s Day.
Police say the incident was a deliberate attack but ruled out a racial or terror-related motive.
It came after a group of men were involved in an altercation inside the TBC bar in Batley, West Yorks., just before 5am on January 1.
The brawl then continued outside, where the victim was knocked down by a blue Mercedes and seriously injured.
Police have today (Weds) confirmed the 21-year-old male victim is a serving member of HM Forces.
The victim is in a serious but stable and conscious state, talking to family at his bedside after being taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment.
The full circumstances leading to the point at which the victim was struck by the vehicle are under investigation.
The blue Mercedes fled the scene but was later recovered by police.
A 27-year-old man from Dewsbury has been arrested on suspicion on section 18 wounding with intent.
Chief Inspector Ben Ryder, said: “We would like to reassure service personnel that police have no evidence that the victim has been targeted due to his service in the army, or that it is motivated by racism.
“We remain open-minded and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any further information to come forward to assist with our investigation.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting crime reference number 13190000498 or information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
by Nathan Sandhu
