Whitburn, Scotland – NHS worker Diane Hawthorn faced a terrifying ordeal when she was violently attacked by a group of unruly youths while on her way home from St Johns Hospital. The incident, which occurred on a bus in the East Main Street area of Whitburn on April 17, left Hawthorn shaken and bruised, with a small wound on her knee where one of the attackers allegedly bit her. Hawthorn recounted the harrowing experience, describing how the youths hurled abuse and targeted passengers on the bus, culminating in a physical confrontation with her.
According to Hawthorn, the situation escalated when the bus driver intervened and asked the group to leave, but they refused. The mob proceeded to cause trouble, eventually singling out Hawthorn for an unprovoked attack. One of the youths allegedly grabbed her hair, pulling her off the bus and initiating a struggle. Despite the intervention of the driver and another passenger, the attacker managed to bite Hawthorn on the knee before being restrained.
Police responded to the scene, where they took statements from Hawthorn and addressed the damage caused by the youths. The authorities confirmed that the parents of the alleged 12-year-old attacker had been notified and suitable advice was given. Hawthorn’s fiance eventually arrived to pick her up, bringing an end to the traumatic ordeal.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern, highlighting the need for increased safety measures and awareness of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in the line of duty. Both the police and Lothian Buses are cooperating in the investigation, aiming to hold those responsible for the attack accountable.
As Hawthorn recovers from the physical and emotional impact of the assault, the community stands in solidarity with her, condemning such acts of violence and calling for a safer environment for all frontline workers. The resilience and bravery displayed by Hawthorn serve as a testament to the dedication and sacrifices made by healthcare professionals in serving their communities amidst challenging circumstances.