A group of youths left a man dazed and bleeding after they launched a gang assault on him.
Former Channel swimmer Jacques Pasquier, who is originally from France and now lives in Riverview Gardens, Barnes, thought he could have been killed during the mass attack near his home last month.
Mr Pasquier, 48, said: "It was so quick. I thought I would be smashed. They started to jump on me.
"I thought if I don't defend myself they will put me on the floor and they could kill me."
The trouble started after boys and girls aged about 13 or 14, racing along the street on scooters narrowly missed hitting his dog on Saturday, April 19.
At 12.15pm, Mr Pasquier challenged one boy, telling him he had "nothing to do here" and asking him to "go away".
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He then recalls seeing 10 or 12 people at the end of the street running towards him and starting to fight.
Mr Pasquier added: "One of them had a bar or something - I did not really see it.
"He hit me on the top of my eyes. It was so bloody I could not see anymore."
Police were called by a resident who witnessed the attack, while a neighbour intervened and pulled five youths off him. The group escaped over Hammersmith Bridge when they heard the sirens approaching.
Mr Pasquier was treated at hospital for two cuts over his right eye, which required six stitches.
Mr Pasquier, the executive chef at the Swiss Embassy, suspected the youths might have been drinking or taking drugs.
Member of the Barnes Police Liaison Group, Martyn Wheatley, urged the community to unite against "feral children" who attack others as "some sort of entertainment".
He said: "It is something we should all be aware of and fight against."
Call police with any information on 020 8247 7042 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Sounds like the usual chav cowards. Non of them would say boo to a goose if they were on there own. I would imagine if Mr Pasquier defended himself by punching and hurting one of the scum it would be him getting arrested such are the pathetic laws in this country. Bring back conscription and they will learn respect and authority - if we lose a few on the way, bonus.
Sounds like the usual chav cowards. Non of them would say boo to a goose if they were on there own. I would imagine if Mr Pasquier defended himself by punching and hurting one of the scum it would be him getting arrested such are the pathetic laws in this country. Bring back conscription and they will learn respect and authority - if we lose a few on the way, bonus.
Posted by: Previously lived in Richmond on 2:20pm Wed 14 May 08
I moved south to the coast and each time people ask me where I’m originally from they always react with 'OOOH Very posh' truth is its not I don’t like London very much anymore and I don’t feel safe or confident as I use to crime is growing and growing and the people causing it r getting younger and younger unfortunately I can moan but wouldn't know what to suggest I think its all very upsetting and disgusting at the same time!! And it is also so true they r cowards and we feel frightened fighting back because of the trouble we could be in ERRR!
I moved south to the coast and each time people ask me where I’m originally from they always react with 'OOOH Very posh' truth is its not I don’t like London very much anymore and I don’t feel safe or confident as I use to crime is growing and growing and the people causing it r getting younger and younger unfortunately I can moan but wouldn't know what to suggest I think its all very upsetting and disgusting at the same time!! And it is also so true they r cowards and we feel frightened fighting back because of the trouble we could be in ERRR!
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