Attack on man outside The Marsh pub, Cleckheaton, condemned

COUNCILLORS have ‘condemned’ an attack outside a pub which left a man fighting for his life.

Three people were arrested following a serious assault on a man near The Marsh pub, on Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, just after 7pm on Sunday.

When the Telegraph & Argus visited the scene on Monday morning, three police officers were standing guard inside a cordon covering part of Queen Street and Pearson Street, which run around the back of the pub.

There was a police presence near The Marsh pub in Cleckheaton on Monday. (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police are investigating a serious assault outside a public house in Cleckheaton.

"A report was received at 7.19pm last night that a man had been assaulted outside The Marsh, on Bradford Road, Cleckheaton.

"The injured man, who is aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital, where he is described as being in a critical condition.

"Three people have been arrested in connection with this investigation and are currently in custody.”

A cordon was in place this morning outside The Marsh pub in Cleckheaton following an attack on Sunday. (Image: Newsquest)

One resident said: "I didn't see anything, but I heard what sounded like a heavy slap and then a thud.

"The paramedics were working on him for a long time. I just hope he's all right.

"It's absolutely devastating."

Cllr Andrew Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said: "On the whole, it's quite worrying that that has happened on our doorstep.

"I’m one who condemns activity like this. We don't want this kind of activity around here.

"But I know perfectly well that these type of incidents can happen anywhere.

"I hope this man makes a full recovery. It's not the sort of thing you'd wish on anybody."

“This is terrible,” said Cllr Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton). “We should not have violent attacks in our neighbourhoods.

“I hope the person in hospital will be ok and witnesses will not be too traumatised.”

The resident added: "The ambulance and police responded so fast.

"They were here within minutes, so hats off to the emergency services.

"Four staff from The Marsh ran out to help him and they were taking care of him.

"A little town like Cleckheaton you don't see many police unless it's something big.

"Everybody's friendly around here. It's a lovely area and really nice."

Another resident said: "I didn't see anything but I heard all the sirens and commotion.

"There were two ambulances, a first responder and a lot of police.

"It's not good something like this happening so close to home.

"I've lived here 20 years and there's never been anything like this. I think it's a one-off."

Another resident said: "We got back late last night and when we saw all the blue lights we wondered what's gone on. We didn't know.

"It's just barmy. You go out for a nice evening and you get caught up in something like that.

"It's normally nice around here."

Another resident said: "I didn't know what had happened, but I first noticed when I saw the flashing lights.

"I've lived here 18 years and there's never really been any trouble at the pub. It's a good local pub."

"I didn't hear anything last night," said another resident who acknowledged she was concerned about the incident.

"It's usually quiet around here," she said. “And The Marsh is a very good pub."

Both councillors also spoke highly of the pub and its importance to the community.

Cllr Andrew Pinnock said: “The Marsh is a well-run establishment.”

Cllr Kath Pinnock added: “The Marsh is a well-run pub that families enjoy going to.”

Anyone who witnessed this assault or believes they may have any information about the circumstances leading up to this assault is asked to contact Kirklees District CID via Live Chat online or by calling 101, quoting number 13240147138.