Doctor seeks witnesses to surf attack

An Erina doctor is still seeking witnesses to an assault on him when he was on his paddleboard at Box Head on Wednesday, May 18.

Dr Peter Buchanan, a nuclear radiologist and interventional pain specialist, said he was paddling with his son "a mile out from shore" when he was attacked by two "young louts" who hit him across the back of the head with a paddle.

He said one "aimed the paddle at my head and neck and swung it horizontally and down, delivering the blow to the base of my skull."

He said he sustained multiple injuries, including extensive facial bruising and a fractured skull.

Dr Buchanan said that police had been unhelpful.

In the absence of a police media release, he had been put in a position of having to prepare a media release himself.

"I want the police to ask for witnesses.

"I think if the police requested help, people would come forward.

"I know it wasn't an accident and so would any witness who saw it properly.

"This was premeditated.

"You have to ask, how badly does someone need to be hurt before the police take it seriously?"

Dr Buchanan is appealing for two jet skiers who spoke to him after the incident to come forward.

If anyone has any information regarding the assault, they can contact Dr Buchanan on 4363 9304.

Elyse Gunner, 7 Jun 2011 Interviewees: Dr Peter Buchanan, Forresters Beach