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Leeds Goths' tribute to pal who had ear sliced off
Friends paid tribute to three pals allegedly attacked in Leeds – one whose ear was sliced off.
Kyle Staniforth was camping with around 20 mosher or Goth friends, in the John O'Gaunts area of Rothwell, Leeds, for a friends's birthday when two teenage girls, who were among the campers, were allegedly robbed at knifepoint in the early hours of Thursday.
The 16-year-old said he and three friends were then allegedly beaten.
Friends held a vigil for them on Saturday outside Leeds Corn Exchange. They named the most seriously injured man as 26-year-old Paul Gibbs, of Beeston, Leeds.
Police have not revealed the extent of his injuries, other than to his ear, but friends believe he was stabbed several times in the chest and sustained an eye injury.
He is said to be "critical but stable" at Leeds General Infirmary.
Friends said the other victims were a 16-year-old from Chapeltown - released from hospital on Thursday and a 17-year-old from Batley said to be in a stable condition at LGI.
Mr Gibbs's former housemate Dean Thompson, 18, said: "He may be a bit older than the rest of us but he's like a brother to everyone.
"He wouldn't hurt a fly."
Rebecca Lee, 18, said: "When he gets out of hospital I will class him as a hero for the rest of my life.
"If he only had 2 left and it was for his dinner he would give you it."
Abigail Brough, of Meanwood, Leeds, said: "He's one of the happiest guys you would ever meet – he's always got a smile on his face."
Two 17-year-olds and a 21-year-old have been charged with two counts of robbery and three counts of assault with intent to rob. They will appear at Leeds Magistrates Court later today.
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Weather for Leeds
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
