Two Russian sailors were attacked, beaten, and robbed by a group of men in the early hours of Thursday morning in St. John's, with one victim hospitalised in serious condition, according to Antigua.news.
Police investigations indicate the incident occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. on June 4 along Popeshead Street. Authorities were first alerted after a report was made to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that a group of assailants had injured two Caucasian men.
A subsequent report directed officers to Heritage Quay, where they located 21-year-old Russian national Aleksandr Liashev suffering from a facial injury and a wound above his left eyebrow. Liashev told police that he and fellow crew member Vladislav Andronov had been attacked by several men while returning to their vessel.
Emergency Medical Services responded and treated Liashev at the scene. He was issued a medical form but declined further treatment.
Police later received information about the second victim and located Andronov in the Yorks area, where officers observed multiple bleeding wounds to his head and left arm. Andronov told investigators that he and Liashev were ambushed by a group of men who beat them with bottles and a piece of wood approximately two centimetres thick. During the assault, the attackers allegedly stole his black Calvin Klein backpack, which contained photocopies of identification documents and US$20 in cash.
EMS personnel provided emergency treatment before transporting Andronov to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. A doctor at the hospital reportedly informed police that his condition was serious but stable.
Investigators subsequently contacted the vessel's master, identified as Russian national Nikolai Turkin, and notified him of the attack and the condition of his crew members.
Police conducted searches for the alleged attackers, but no arrests have been made. Investigations into the violent assault and robbery remain ongoing.
The Police Administration has condemned the attack, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of both residents and visitors to the country.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913/14 or Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).
