Family of Paul Hollywood Appeals for Information After Brother’s ‘Nasty and Unprovoked’ Assault
In a disturbing incident that has drawn national attention, Lee Hollywood, brother of acclaimed Great British Baking Show judge Paul Hollywood, was subjected to a brutal and unprovoked assault while walking his dog in Leasowe, England. The attack, which occurred on the evening of Friday, August 8th, around 7:10 p.m. local time, left the man in his 50s requiring hospital treatment for significant injuries to his back and face.
Paul Hollywood’s Public Appeal
Paul Hollywood, 59, took to his Instagram on Sunday, August 10th, to confirm his sibling was the victim identified in a news release from Wirral Police. In a heartfelt appeal to his considerable public following, the celebrity baker urged anyone with information regarding the “nasty and unprovoked” attack to come forward and assist authorities. “If you have information regarding this attack on Friday night, the person in question who was attacked is my brother Lee. Any information please follow details above Thank you,” Paul wrote on his social media.
Details of the Assault
According to the police report, the incident unfolded on the Links View Playing fields. Lee Hollywood was walking his dog when it began to bark at another dog, which was being walked by an unidentified male. The situation escalated rapidly as the other individual became “irate” while separating the animals. In a shocking turn, police allege that the attacker then approached Mr. Hollywood from behind, striking him and knocking him to the ground before proceeding to kick him in the face. The assailant then fled the scene.
Police Investigation Underway
Detective Inspector Phil Ryan of Wirral Police condemned the assault, stating, “This was a nasty and unprovoked assault which left the man needing hospital treatment.” Authorities are actively investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses. “We are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Links View Playing fields or Shackleton Road at around 7 p.m. last night who heard or saw the incident or saw the male leaving the area to contact us,” Detective Inspector Ryan added. Police are also reportedly in the process of attempting to obtain crucial CCTV footage to aid their investigation.
Lee Hollywood’s Background
Like his famous brother, Lee Hollywood has a background in the culinary world, having previously run his own artisan bakery, Born & Bread, in Wirral, Liverpool, until 2020. In a 2016 interview with The Daily Mail, Lee shed light on the demanding nature of his work, revealing he often put in grueling 13-hour days. He playfully remarked on the brothers’ differing career paths, stating, “I’m the grafter of the family, Paul’s too busy with Bake Off. The last time he made a proper loaf was about ten years ago.” Despite their divergent schedules, Lee affirmed a close bond with his brother, noting, “Our Paul and I are very close and I watch Bake Off when I can, but it’s mainly on catch-up [television] because I’m always here.”
Call for Community Vigilance
As the investigation continues, the Hollywood family and Wirral Police urge anyone with pertinent information to assist in bringing the assailant to justice. The unprovoked attack serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.
