A man stabbed near his Colwyn Bay bookshop yesterday said he hoped he hadn’t been targeted because of his public support of remaining in the European Union.
Mick Pickard, 65, was attacked on Hawarden Road in the town on Monday afternoon at around 2.50pm, near the bookshop he has run for nine years.
He was taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd where he was treated for superficial stab wounds and released on Tuesday morning.
Mr Pickard says he didn’t see his attacker or understand why he was targeted, unless someone had taken umbrage at his support to stay in the European Union.
“I have been displaying ‘Remain’ posters in the shop window,” he said. “I am reluctant to say categorically yes (it was that) but, if it is anything to do with that, democracy in this country has gone out the window - and we are a lost cause.”
A popular and well known figure around Colwyn Bay, Mr Pickard described the moment he was stabbed in the back near the bookshop, which is owned by former Mayor Dr Sibani Roy.
“I felt something hit me in the back and I fell forward,” he said. “I just thought something had scratched my back and I thought what the hell was that?
“I didn’t realise I had been stabbed until I got home. I thought why am I so wet which was the most frightening thing.
“I am just so lucky it was fairly shallow and didn’t go into the spine,” said the former soldier.
When he realised he had been cut North Wales Police were called and they quickly sealed the area.
Forensic experts stayed late into Monday evening to assess the scene and gather evidence.
“I’m feeling sore,” he continued. “It’s a very superficial stab to the back - it could have been much worse.
“It was shocking and I just felt something slap me in the back.
“I was just getting odds and sods from the shop when it happened.”
A former serviceman, he is originally from Wolverhampton but praised the many messages of support from locals and well-wishers on social media since the incident hit the news.
“I can’t say anything other than thanks,” he said, holding back a tear. “It’s so nice to know people care.
“I am so grateful and humbled too.”
North Wales Police has renewed its appeal for information about the attack.
A spokesman for the force said: “There have been no arrests and our investigations are still continuing.
“We are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information should contact St Asaph CID on 101 quoting crime reference number RC16086737.”
Mr Pickard’s landlord at the shop, Dr Roy, who is chair of the Colwyn Bay-based Centre for Cultural Engagement, apologised to residents for the panic in front of her shop.
She said: “I would like to send my apologies to the residents of Hawarden Road and Colwyn Bay as a whole for the panic caused by yesterday’s unfortunate incident in front of the bookshop/reading room owned by me, even though I am not involved in any way with the incident and I was away yesterday.
“However the incident occurred in front of my property and I feel morally responsible for this infamous incident.
“We are in touch with North Wales Police and I have faith in them to stop such incidents reoccurring.
“My heartfelt thanks to all those who send their good wishes to me and my colleague in the shop/reading room.
“My thanks also go to Daily Post newspaper and reporters for their concern and coverage.”
see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/colwyn-bay-bookshop-stabbing-victim-11472933
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