Stabbed seven times: Driver left fighting for life by van thieves
A MAN was fighting for his life last night after tackling three thugs who were trying to steal his van from outside his home.
David Mullen, 43, who neighbours described as “quiet and kind”, was stabbed seven times as he confronted the trio.
He had previously been the victim of theft of motorbikes from his shed, revealed a friend, who said: “He was just trying to stand up for himself and defend his own property. I just can’t believe things like this go on around here.”
Mr Mullen was repeatedly stabbed in the torso after approaching the men as they tried to break into his Ford Escort van parked outside his home in Birtley, Gateshead, in the early hours of Saturday.
He was found lying in the road by a woman who laid a blanket over him and alerted police. A pair of scissors was found at the scene. One of the three attackers is also believed to have been injured in the incident. A boot and a bunch of car keys were left scattered nearby.
Mr Mullen, who lives on his own, was in a critical but stable condition while being treated for life-threatening injuries at the nearby Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. A neighbour said: “I was woken up by the sound of police helicopter but just thought it was a stolen car or something. When I got up in the morning there were all these forensic teams in white suits so I knew something serious had happened.
“I can’t believe someone would do this to David, he’s such a quiet, nice and kind man and extremely intelligent. He keeps himself to himself. I feel terrible for his family. Everyone knows them around here. We’re all praying he makes it. Everyone is hoping he pulls through and they get the people who did this.”
He added: “It’s not that long since I heard someone broke into his shed and stole his motorbikes. I just can’t believe things like this go on around here. He was just trying to stand up for himself and defend his own property.” One of his other neighbours said: “He’s vulnerable because he lives on his own.”
Another resident spoke of his fears over escalating crime in the area. He said: “David is a quiet bloke. He is always popping in and out to see his family who live nearby. He is a victim of the kind of crime that keeps on happening round here. There is a problem with kids drinking and taking drugs on the field in the middle of the estate. Since the park has been there, trouble has been increasing. Shed break-ins and car crime are common.”
Police have arrested three men, two aged 23 and one aged 21, on suspicion of attempted murder.
