Police investigate assault on dwarf

A dwarf who was picked up and dropped on the floor while celebrating his birthday during the Rugby World Cup was told he will have to use a wheelchair as a result of his injuries.

Martin Henderson, from Milborne Port, Somerset, was in the White Horse pub, in Wincanton, celebrating with a group of friends when he was attacked outside.

The incident happened just weeks after reports in the media claimed members of the England rugby team had been enjoying a "dwarf throwing contest" in a bar in New Zealand during their ill-fated World Cup campaign.

While Mr Henderson's friends were playing pool he said he went outside for a cigarette and was targeted on October 7 last year.

After landing hard on the ground he said his back and legs began to feel numb. It has since been revealed he has suffered tissue damage in his back.

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses.

"We were having a good night out to celebrate my birthday," Mr Henderson told the Western Gazette.

"I went outside for a cigarette and the next thing I know I'm suddenly in the air and someone has got hold of me."

The 37-year-old said he believed there was only one person involved in the incident.

"I guess I was an easy target and the only reason I was picked on was because I am small," he added.

Mr Henderson said the man was of a slim build with dark hair and around 5ft 8in. He was wearing a hooded top and baseball cap.

He was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton after his back and legs began to feel numb and a scan revealed he had tissue damage to his back.

Mr Henderson, who has spinal stenosis, now has to use a zimmer frame to walk and has been told by doctors he will need a wheelchair for longer journeys.

The incident happened about a month after England rugby players, including Mike Tindall, visited the Altitude Bar which was hosting a "Mad Midget Weekender".

The team were on a night out following their first match victory against Argentina in the Rugby World Cup.

But bar manager Rich Deane denied any "dwarf throwing" was involved and insisted the event had been misinterpreted.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: "The public are being asked for their help following an assault in the White Horse public house back in October.

"Officers investigating would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the pub on the night of October 7.

"It follows an incident in which a small person was picked up by an unknown person in the bar and dropped.

"This caused an injury to his back."

Anyone who may have been in the pub at the time is asked to call Yeovil police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

PA