Police have released CCTV images as part of a fresh appeal into the assault on TV personality Donal MacIntyre and his wife in a bar in East Molesey earlier this month.

The incident, a suspected revenge attack for Mr MacIntyre’s television expose on Chelsea football hooligans nine years ago, took place shortly after 11pm on Wednesday, June 17, at Cloud 9 bar in Bridge Road.

Shortly after the attack, Mr MacIntyre told a national newspaper that when he entered the bar, four men shouted “you grass, you snitch” at him.

He said he was then knocked to the ground and his wife was hurt as she attempted to protect him.

Mr MacIntyre and his wife left the scene, but he later collapsed and was taken to hospital.

He suffered a black eye and a cut to his face, while his wife suffered bruising to her face, arms and legs.

The presenter of the BBC series MacIntyre Undercover said he believed the assault was connected to his 2000 investigation into the Chelsea Headhunters hooligan gang, which led to the conviction of five men.

He said: “I’ve had kidnapping threats, been assaulted before, had my car trashed and I’ve had to move many times.

“I’ll take those slings and arrows, but it crosses a line when my wife gets caught in the crossfire.

“They were trying to get me, missed me and then got her.”

Detectives at Staines CID are continuing to carry out an investigation into the assault and are hoping releasing the CCTV images will make any witnesses come forward.

Detective Sergeant Dave Thomas, leading the investigation, said: “This couple were enjoying a night out when they were set upon in a completely unprovoked and cowardly attack.

“The bar and surrounding area were very busy at the time and a number of people must have seen this nasty attack take place. Any information they can provide could prove vital to our ongoing investigation.

“I am asking people to study these images carefully and if they recognise themselves or someone they know then to contact Surrey Police immediately. Police will not tolerate violence of this nature in Surrey and I can assure Molesey residents we are treating this extremely seriously.”

Anyone with any information should contact D Sgt Thomas at Staines CID on 0845 125 222, quoting reference EL/09/4914, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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