A business owner who was the victim of an alleged needle attack has spoken out to thank those who he believes saved his life.

Gary Lewis, of Betterdaze record shop and vintage attic on Zetland Street, in Northallerton, is still recovering after the stabbing, which left him in intensive care at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The incident took place in his shop on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 2 and sparked an enormous response by the emergency services, with Zetland Street cordoned off for most of the day.

A 57-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder.

Mr Lewis, who is well known as an independent trader for staging record fairs and other events, said he was injected with an unknown substance during the incident.

He has now thanked the “numerous friends, neighbouring shop keepers and members of the public who literally saved my life. Twice”.

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“The quick thinking of these brave people helped me to detain the suspect with others providing vital information to the emergency services who were quickly on the scene, rendering life-saving treatment,” he said.

“A local taxi driver helped block the road preventing the suspect from leaving the scene. Ambulance staff, police drivers, detectives, doctors and nurses at James Cook ICU. The list goes on.”

Mr Lewis said he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received in the wake of the alleged attack, both locally and from further afield.

“Over the course of this week and since being discharged from hospital I have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of letters, cards, messages and gifts from across the county and beyond from local businesses, customers, council staff and friends,” he said.

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“My family and my amazing team in our shops have got me through. I will never be able to adequately thank everyone, but my survival is undoubtedly due to the public-spirited unselfish actions of these people. On behalf of myself and my family I thank each and every one of you.”

In the aftermath of the incident, Detective Inspector Louise Pegg, from Hambleton CID, said investigations are continuing.

"This was a very serious incident that has understandably concerned people in Northallerton and the surrounding communities,” she said. “I am pleased that we have now been able to charge a suspect in this case and our investigation will continue.

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"I would like to thank the local community for their initial response to this incident and their co-operation as we conducted enquiries immediately after.

"It's important to stress that we are treating this as an isolated incident, and I urge anyone who has any concerns to speak to officers on patrol or visit the front counter at our Force Headquarters in Northallerton town centre."

  • Darren Michael Harris, 57, of Middlesbrough, appeared at York Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 5 charged with attempted murder. He remains in custody until his next court appearance at Leeds Crown Court on August 2.