A man who has visited Birmingham's German Christmas Market every year since it began says he is now too frightened to return to the city centre after he and his carer were victims of a random attack.
A beloved tradition shattered by violence
Sky Tudor, 48, from Solihull, was walking through the shopping area of Birmingham city centre with his carer late on an evening in October when they were set upon without warning. The pair were making their way to a bus stop around 11pm after a family party.
"It was from behind so either I was kicked or punched in the back," Sky recounted. "I went down on the floor and they hit me again in the back. Then he's attacked my carer." He described the assault as completely "out-of-the-blue" and has been left with unanswered questions about the motive.
Physical injuries and lasting fear
The following day, both men attended hospital for treatment. His carer sustained bruised ribs, while Sky suffered from back pain that lasted for weeks. However, the psychological impact has proven far more enduring.
Sky, who has physical disabilities and relies on his carer for assistance, said the incident has fundamentally changed his feelings about the city. "I've got over it now but it's just we won't go into Birmingham anymore," he stated, confirming he has not returned to the centre since the attack in October.
His fear has been compounded by reports of other violent incidents, including stabbings, in the area. "Now, I'm reading something happening every week in the city centre," he said. "I just think we were lucky to get away with the injuries we did, because he could have had a knife."
A festive season overshadowed
The most poignant consequence is the loss of a cherished annual tradition. Sky has been a regular visitor to the Birmingham German Market with friends and family since its inception, but will miss it this year.
"It's a shame because obviously I wanted to go to the Christmas market," he explained. "It's something I'd been looking forward to doing. I go every year with friends and family to have a good time and celebrate. It's something I look forward to."
Instead, the memory of the attack, where he can only recall the assailant's grey shirt, now overshadows the festive spirit. He feels forced to avoid not just visiting, but even travelling through, the heart of Birmingham, leaving a beloved part of his Christmas firmly in the past.
