Glasgow Airport hero policeman blinded by robbers
14.01.08
Scotland's Sunday Mail reports that a policeman hero of the Glasgow Airport terror attack has been blinded by robbers as he tried to stop a break-in whilst off duty. He managed to stop the break-in but the gang - dressed in dark clothes and balaclavas - fled.
Torquil Campbell was sprayed with burning liquid and now faces surgery. He suffered serious damage to his blood vessels in the attack four weeks ago. Doctors have so far been unable to identify the corrosive substance thrown in his face.
Sergeant Campbell, 49, was rescuing the grandad of Pop Idol star Darius Danesh. Victim Colin Campbell is Torquil's neighbour in Renfrew. He has been off work since he tackled the gang trying to enter the 83-year-old's house.
A friend told the newspaper that the officer is still unable to see out of his left eye properly. He said: 'His vision remains extremely blurred and he's been told he may have to go under the knife.' Doctors are hopeful of a full recovery but 'they are not putting money on the table on that one. They do think it will get better but it will be a long term thing.'
The attack happened nearly two weeks after Sergeant Campbell had been due to retire - but he had agreed to stay on until summer. The injury was made worse when one of the raiders punched him in the eye as he tackled them.
The officer was one of 11 people to be jointly given Sunday Mail Great Scot awards last year for helping to foil the Glasgow Airport suicide bomb attacks. A 'police insider' told the newspaper: 'There is an irony that he was more seriously injured tackling the housebreakers than the airport bombers. They must have been going to use this liquid on anybody inside.'
Darius praised the man who saved his grandad. The 27-year-old singer said: 'The policeman acted above and beyond the call of duty and the whole family is very grateful. We're all relieved but very sorry that the officer was injured. My grandfather is lucky to have such a brave and courageous neighbour. I'm sure he saved my grandfather from a similar injury or worse.'
Strathclyde Police said: 'The off-duty officer challenged the three men, who appeared to be wearing balaclavas, and they sprayed a liquid into his face. The men did not gain entry to the house. Our inquiries are continuing.'
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