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Canterbury and Whitstable MP Rosie Duffield visits German student Daniel Ezzedine in hospital

By: Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Published: 14:06, 15 July 2019

Updated: 15:22, 15 July 2019

An MP says she was shocked to witness the injuries inflicted upon a German student in a vicious "gang attack".

Daniel Ezzedine, 17, was airlifted to hospital on June 6 after suffering horrific injuries in a shocking assault in Rose Lane, Canterbury.

His family has said doctors initially gave him a 30% chance of survival, but five weeks later he continues to fight for his life in hospital.

Daniel Ezzedine Pic: Bassam Ezzedine / Facebook (13815026)

Canterbury and Whitstable MP Rosie Duffield - who condemned the attack, branding it a "shameful stain" on Canterbury - has now visited Daniel on his ward.

She says it was "very upsetting" to see the effect the assault has had upon him.

"As a parent, this is the worst possible thing that can happen to your child..." MP Rosie Duffield

"Seeing Daniel was an awful experience," she said.

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"To see anyone, especially someone so young, in that state is very upsetting.

MP Rosie Duffield has visited Daniel Ezzedine in hospital

"I am glad that he has made progress from when he was first admitted to hospital.

"As a parent, this is the worst possible thing that can happen to your child. My heart breaks for Daniel's family."

On June 20, KentOnline reported how Daniel's family is praying he will wake up so they can hear him laugh again.

His second-cousin Giulia Mourad has today confirmed Daniel remains in a coma, and that his future is still uncertain.

Daniel Ezzedine was the victim of a gang attack in Canterbury

"He is not in an artificial coma any more, but the doctors can't tell anything concerning the prognosis," she said.

"For now, he reacts to pain and he opens his eyes."

Daniel’s family moved to Germany from Lebanon 30 years ago.

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As a non-EU citizen, his mother had to wait several days before flying to the UK to see her son after the attack, due to visa issues that were eventually resolved by Ms Duffield and Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

Flowers left by the scene of the attack in Whitefriars (13830719)

Giulia says Daniel's family remain by his side.

"Considering the circumstances, they are trying to be strong for Daniel," she added.

Eleven people have now been arrested in connection with the assault, which is being investigated by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

They have all have since been released on bail.

Last Monday, a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and was taken into police custody before being released on bail.

Police at the scene of the assault

Three boys from Canterbury - aged 15, 16 and 17 - were arrested a fortnight ago in connection with the assault.

Seven other arrests were made in the days following the attack, as part of the investigation.

They include five more teenagers from Canterbury - two 15-year-old boys, a 16-year-old girl, and two boys aged 16 and 17.

A 17-year-old boy from Margate was also arrested, along with a 44-year-old man suspected of assisting an offender.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to call them on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 46/108995/19, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

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