Hengelo attack may have targeted wrong man, police say

Police are asking the public to help identify a man who they say beat a 38-year-old on the Stadionlaan in Hengelo. The attack was caught on camera, and police say the attacker may have gone after the wrong person.

What happened

The attack took place on Wednesday 19 August at around 18:15. According to the police notice, the victim had just come home and was getting out of his car when a man walked up to him and started hitting him almost immediately.

The attacker accused him of a burglary and said he had to pay money. He then took the victim's iPhone 13 and ran off. Police say the victim does not know the man and does not know where the accusation came from.

Crime programme Opsporing Verzocht reports that the victim was left with substantial injuries. A bystander and a security camera both recorded what happened.

Why it may have been a mistake

Police say the suspect may have made a mistake. The programme adds one possible reason: the victim was driving a borrowed car that day, and the intended target may own, or may have owned, the same kind of car. Neither source says who that person might be.

Who police are looking for

Police describe the man as aged 30 to 40 and about 1.85 metres tall, with a light skin tone, a broad and muscular build and a pointed nose. The programme adds that he had a beard at the time.

Police also say a man who appeared to have filmed the attack ran away. The police notice does not describe him as a suspect.

How to pass on information

Opsporing Verzocht published its appeal on 2 November. When DDN checked on 3 November, neither that page nor the police notice mentioned an arrest.

Anyone who recognises the man can call the police tip line for free on 0800-6070. Tips can also be given anonymously through Meld Misdaad Anoniem on 0800-7000. The case number is PL0600-2026422048.