Family plea as son fights for his life

Feb 1 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

THE family of a man fighting for his life after being found seriously injured in a Maghull subway have pleaded for information from the public.

Gary Morton, 24, who was due to join the Navy this week, was found slumped with serious head injuries in the tunnel under the A59 Northway on Monday.

Officers believe the victim could have lain in the subway unconscious for several hours before they were called at 7am.

Gary’s parents, Brian and Maureen Morton, said last night: “Gary is sedated at the moment. He has had major surgery, so obviously this needs time to heal.

“As his parents, we are living the nightmare every family dreads. We are confident Gary will make a full recovery, but we’re aware this will take time.”

Police have denied strong rumours that CCTV may have captured six people walking past Gary without calling 999 or administering first aid, whilst he lay hurt on the ground.

Sefton Councillor Jack Colbert, who represents the next ward, said: “If these people did walk past this poor lad without helping him it is disgraceful – what kind of world are we living in? Why did they not help him?”

One possible theory to explain Mr Morton’s injuries is he fell into the subway whilst climbing over a fence after a disagreement with a taxi driver, but this has not been confirmed.

Merseyside Police urge any witnesses or anybody with any other information to contact them on 0151 777 3165.