I was blinded after being smashed in face in random attack on Boxing Day – I fear I’ll never see my children again
A DAD fears he will never see his children again after being blinded by a bottle attack while enjoying Boxing Day drinks with friends.
Matthew Syron, 32, was on a night out on December 26 at Revolucion de Cuba in Leeds, West Yorkshire, when he was glassed in both eyes.
The father-of-two had made a trip across the world from where he currently lives in Sydney, Australia, to spend time with his new nephews over the Christmas period when the attack occurred.
Matthew, who moved overseas 11 years ago, underwent emergency surgery on both eyes – but his vision is yet to return more than a week after the alleged attack occurred.
The business owner is dad to three-year-old Brixon and one-year-old Meka-Rose, but fears he will never see his children or partner’s face again due to the severity of his injuries.
Describing the tragic event, Matthew said: “I was out in town with friends after a family party.
“My night was sort of coming to an end when I saw some old friends I used to play rugby with about ten years ago.
“I went to the toilet then came back. I was stood at the bar with my brother and friends then all of a sudden [someone] slammed a glass in my face.
“I was instantly blind. I thought when it happened ‘I’m never going to see my kids again’.”
Matthew was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary and underwent emergency surgery to help stop the bleeding, which included 27 stitches in his right eye and 10 stitches in his left.
Medics are desperately attempting to save Matthew’s vision but he fears his sight may be gone for good.
Matthew said: “I can’t see out of both eyes. I can just see lights in my left eye and just black in my right.
“They’re trying to save my eyes and there’s a possibility they can save them.
“The optical nerve on my brain isn’t damaged, which would mean I was permanently blind. That’s still intact in both eyes.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone – it’s been the worst seven days of my life.
“It’s scary – the world is a wicked place. This is just unbelievable.
“This has ruined my life. There’s a chance I can never see my kids again, it makes me feel sick.
“I think about what happened every hour of the day. All my family has been sat round this bed in tears.
“Luckily I have youth on my side and hopefully I can recover quickly from this.
“The only thing I care about is seeing my partner and kids again, I just want to give them a cuddle.”
West Yorkshire Police confirmed they are investigating a serious assault that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday 27th December.
The force said detectives from Leeds District CID are investigating the incident, which is believed to have occurred at around 12.30am.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the matter and remains in custody.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting crime reference 13230710625, or online.