Five cowardly thugs remain on the run tonight after an horrific attack on a young father in the early hours of this morning.
32-year-old Shannan Rushworth, from Kingswood, remains in a critical condition in hospital after he and a friend were set upon by the group at around 1.30 this morning.
The incident occurred in the car park of the McDonald’s near Panthers Leagues Club on Mulgoa Road.
Detective Acting Inspector Steve Peroni said police were reviewing CCTV footage from inside the McDonald’s store.
He said it appeared it was a random attack.
“We have nothing to suggest they were known to each other,” he said.
“Following leaving the fast food restaurant… We’ve got our five persons of interest running east, so across Mulgoa Road towards the cricket oval.”
Penrith: A young father has been targeted in a vicious bashing outside a @McDonalds, set upon by five apparent strangers. He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition as police hunt for those who attacked him. @laurakatebanks #7News pic.twitter.com/dcaPiglbtq
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) February 3, 2019
A number of people witnessed the horrific attack and mobile phone footage has also been made available to police.
Mr Rushworth suffered serious head injuries and is in Westmead Hospital. It is understood his condition has stabilised since this morning.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
