Moves to reassure residents that Whitton is safe have come in the wake of a vicious attack at the beginning of the month that left a man with every bone in his face broken.

Mark Dietrich, 39, was attacked in Chester Avenue at 5.20pm on October 3 after a confrontation with a man who had blocked the road while arguing with his girlfriend.

Mr Dietrich was punched to the ground and repeatedly kicked around the head and upper torso. He had every bone in his face broken, with his jaw smashed in three places.

Richmond Council said that despite this incident the borough remains one of the safest in London and the borough's Community Safety Partnership, which brings together various agencies to reduce crime and disorder, were working to keep the area safe.

"It is precisely to make local areas safer that Safer Neighbourhood Teams have been set up in every ward across the borough," continued a council spokesman. "And Whitton has its own team."

"Unfortunately like every other part of the country we are not immune to violent crime.

"The police are currently investigating these incidents and are being supported fully by the council and the Community Safety Partnership.

"Part of the challenge is to work closely with local residents in order to identify the people responsible.

"The Community Safety Partnership urges anyone with any information about the two recent assaults to contact the police immediately.

"Beating crime and making our areas safer is a job for everyone."

The officer in charge of the case, DS Kevin McSharry, told the Richmond and Twickenham Times they were still looking for the man who attacked Mr Dietrich.

He said: "We have still not identified him but more witnesses have come forward to say they had seen the attack.

"The victim had one of his many operations last week, to repair some of his jaw, he's in a lot of pain.

"It will take a number of months until they are have repaired his face.

"If anyone knows who the attacker is, or if they saw the attack they should contact us. This is not going to go away."

The suspect is described as an Asian man in his early 20s, about 5ft 8in, and of proportionate build, wearing a dark coloured rugby style shirt with a light collar and a light coloured badge.

He was accompanied by an Asian woman who was wearing dark clothing and a light-coloured head scarf possibly green in colour.

Anyone with information can contact police in the strictest confidence on 8247 5839 or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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