British father thrown over balcony for defending 20-strong mob attacking his sons
A BRITISH father is in critical condition after being hurled off a two-storey balcony for defending his sons.
Roofer Stephen Mallon, 49, had been set upon outside a nightclub in Competa, in the Axarquia.
His teenage sons had asked for his help after getting into a fight with around 20 local youths, who threw bottles and flowerpots at them.
“They were hit with coshes, bottles, terracotta flowerpots and iron bars”
But when their father came to their aid the gang set upon him, eventually throwing him over the 25-foot high balcony.
According to sources, a critical delay in getting unconscious Mr Mallon to hospital was caused when the ambulance crew were threatened by locals and had to wait for police back up.
Mallon – whose family have a holiday home in Competa – is now in a coma at the Carlos Haya Hospital in Malaga with his wife Teresa by his side.
Both his sons were left bleeding and injured in the attack, one receiving a broken nose while the other suffered a broken arm.
The clash took place outside La Estrella pub at 4am last Saturday between seven Brits and more than 20 local men, women and youths.
Mr Mallon had been out celebrating a British friend’s birthday when the trouble kicked off.
One family member said: “They were set upon by a gang of 30 men because they were English.
“They were hit with coshes, bottles, terracotta flowerpots and iron bars. Steve was thrown from the balcony.” Villagers who witnessed the attack reported people being hit with bottles, glasses and parasols.
The Guardia Civil police carried out the initial investigation, but the matter has now been passed to the Judical Police in Malaga because of its seriousness.
A spokesman for the Foreign Office said they were in contact with Mr Mallon’s next of kin.
He said: ‘He is still hospitalised, it would appear with serious injuries.
‘A number of people have been detained following the incident. Two other British nationals were also involved.
‘Our role has been liaising with the family and providing assistance in a consular capacity.’
Mr Mallon had been visiting the village with his family to stay at their holiday home for the last six years.
