Details are emerging of a ‘violent and completely unprovoked attack’ on a young woman in Berwick last Saturday night which left her with ‘devastating, life-altering injuries’ as Police continue to carry out their enquiries.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: ‘Shortly before 11pm on Saturday, February 21, we received a report of a disturbance in the High Street area of Berwick in Northumberland.
‘It was reported that a group of people had been involved in an altercation and as a result, a woman aged in her 20s, had sustained a serious head injury. The woman was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
‘Two men and a woman – all aged 23 – were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, they have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.’
A family statement named the woman as Keeley Hethershaw who lives in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, Canada and who was visiting family.
Following the attack, understood to be on Marygate near the Sports Direct shop, Keeley was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for treatment to a serious head-injury which included staples to her scalp.
The statement from Beth Hethershaw, Keeley’s sister, said: ‘our beautiful Keeley was the victim of a violent and completely unprovoked attack while visiting family in the UK.
‘What was meant to be a joyful night out with our aunt and cousins quickly turned into every family’s worst nightmare — Keeley was rushed to hospital in Newcastle, fighting for her life.
‘Keeley sustained devastating, life-altering injuries. She suffered a fractured skull and a critical blood clot at the front of her brain, requiring emergency neurosurgery.
‘We are facing heartbreaking uncertainty about whether she will fully regain hearing in one ear,’ said the distraught family-member. She remains under constant monitoring and requires intensive pain management, and we still do not know when she will be discharged.
‘Even once she is released from hospital, her recovery will be long and complex. Doctors have advised that she remain in Newcastle for ongoing specialist appointments and physiotherapy for an unknown period of time.’
A crowdfund page has been set up here to help cover the unexpected costs for friends and family supporting Keeley.
Northumbria Police stated that: ‘Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to get in touch by sending us a direct message on social media or by using the live chat or ‘report’ form function on our website.
‘Those who can’t contact us online can call 101.
‘Please quote reference number: NP-20260221-1181.’
