Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 14th March 2025, at 13:30hrs
Preston residents have been reassured following a brutal, unprovoked attack on a 63-year-old dog walker, identified locally as Mr. Carlisle, who was walking his dog on Langden Drive on Wednesday morning.
The incident, which occurred near two schools and a medical center, has left the community in shock and fear.
Mr. Carlisle was reportedly subjected to a “savage and brutal” assault just after 6 a.m., leaving him with significant injuries.
Witnesses described the attack as “barbaric” and “unprovoked,” claiming the victim was left “unrecognisable.”
“This is shocking,” said one anonymous resident.
“We live in a very scary world these days, and it seems to be getting worse. You hear about these things happening around the country, but you never expect it to happen on your doorstep.
It just goes to show that it can happen anywhere. It could have been me walking my dog, it could have been you. It’s just shocking, and it needs to stop.
Nobody is safe walking the streets on their own in this day and age. I just hope the poor man pulls through this and I send my prayers to his family.”
Following the attack on Mr. Carlisle, a woman who intervened was also assaulted, sustaining minor injuries.
Emergency services responded to the scene, and officers deployed a taser to subdue the suspect, who was described by witnesses as “looking possessed, intent on causing serious harm.”
Despite being initially brought to the ground, the man reportedly regained his footing and was ultimately detained after a second taser deployment and assistance from members of the public.
Mr. Carlisle was taken to hospital, where he remains in a “very poorly condition.”
Lancashire Police have reassured residents that patrols have been increased in the area and that officers are available to address any concerns. The force is continuing its investigation into the incident.
Cllr Patricia Varty, whose house is near the scene of the attack, expressed her understanding of the community’s “unsettlement.”
She, along with Cllrs Saksena and Hindle, issued a statement addressing rumors circulating on social media.
“Following the assault that took place on Wednesday at Ribbleton Hall Drive, Preston City Cllr Varty, Cllr Saksena and Cllr Hindle wish to send our thoughts and prayers with the victim Mr Carlisle and to his family and friends,” the statement read.
“We understand that the community are shocked by these sad events and please reach out to us should you need support.
We would like to reassure residents that the rumours of the assailant’s heritage being from a foreign country were incorrect and he is in-fact a British born resident.”
The incident led to the closure of Ribbleton Hall Drive for 24 hours, near Moor Nook Primary School.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or information can be given anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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