The family of a teenager who was left in intensive care after being hit so hard she was sent flying through the air have revealed she may never be the same after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Poppy Owen, 19, was enjoying a night out with friends in Basildon, Essex, when her sister says she was “blown away” by a man who knocked her unconscious.
Essex Police confirmed a man was arrested and has since been released on bail until November.
Poppy’s older sister Bobbie-Jo Owen, 23, called the attack “diabolical” and said:“It’s terrifying the state she’s been left in. We don’t know what impact this could have on her future, which is just mortifying.”
She added that her sister stopped breathing after the attack and her colleagues, who were also outside The Loft in Southernhay, performed CPR on her.
Poppy Owen, 18, was enjoying a night out in Basildon, Essex, when friends say a man sent her flying and knocked her unconscious.
Poppy’s older sister Bobbie-Jo Owen (pictured), 23, called the attack “diabolical” and added: “It’s terrifying the state she’s been left in.”
Since the incident in the early hours of August 11, Poppy has been receiving specialized treatment including physical therapy and speech therapy every day.
The teenager cannot remember the details of her attack and was unable to speak for the next day, Bobbie-Jo said.
She explained to The echo:Poppy is in intensive care and is undergoing regular CT scans to monitor the progress of her brain. She has a brain bleed and severe bruising on her brain.
‘Even the way he speaks makes you confused with his words.’
Friends and family sent their best wishes to Bobbie-Jo on social media after she shared her sister’s story.
Leah Eden wrote on Facebook: “I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m thinking of you all and sending you all our love. We pray you have a quick recovery and no permanent damage.”
One of Poppy’s colleagues, Jennifer Dourado, commented: “I am absolutely devastated by this news. Poppy is much loved at work and I wish her a safe and speedy recovery.”
Although the 22-year-old who was arrested is out on bail, police confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing.
Poppy was left unconscious outside The Loft in Southernhay, where she was given CPR until an ambulance arrived.
A spokesman said: “A man has been arrested following an assault in Basildon.
‘We received a call shortly before 2.10am on August 11 reporting that an 18-year-old woman had been left unconscious in Southernhay.
‘A 22-year-old man from Basildon has been arrested on suspicion of unintentional sexual assault, assault and common assault.
He has since been released on bail until November 5.
‘If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other material in relation to this incident, please contact us.’
They added that anyone with information should quote crime reference number 42/122481/24.
MailOnline has contacted The Loft, Basildon, for comment.
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