Police seek witnesses to swarming attack in Yaletown

WARNING: This story contains disturbing video of a violent attack.

Vancouver police are investigating aswarming attack on a "defenceless" manin Yaletownlast weekendand are releasing video ofthe violent incidentin the hope that witnesses will come forward.

The assault happened at around 11:10 p.m, Feb. 20, in a neighbourhood park near Davie and Richards streets, according to an emailed statement fromVPD Const. Tania Visintin.

"[The] bystander video, which is still being processed and will be added to this story later today,shows a large group watching and filming as two men punched and kicked a defenceless man in Emery Barnes Park," said Visintin.

Visintin said the bystanderflagged down a nearby VPD officer and turned over the video. But by the timeofficers arrived in the park,the suspects and victim had already left.

WATCH | Police are asking anyone who witnessed this attack to come forward:

Vancouver police investigate swarming in Yaletown park

3 years ago

Duration 0:32

Police released video showing a violent attack downtown last weekend and are asking witnesses to come forward.

One ofthe suspects a 19-year-old man from Richmond was located on Granville Street and arrested. He has since been released from custody while investigators gather more evidence.

The victim, a 44-year-old Vancouver man, was located after someone called 911 on his behalf. Police said he sustained significant facial injuries that required hospitalization.

Policecontinue to look for a second suspect seen in the video. He is described as a man in his twenties, about five feet nine inches talland 160 pounds. He was wearing a red hoodie, black pants, black running shoes and was carrying a black satchel.

"This park is surrounded by highrise towers and is part of a heavily populated area,"Visintin said.

"There must be people who either saw this swarming, were there when it happenedor recognize the people in the video. We're asking those people to do the right thing and come forward."

Anyone who recognizes the suspect, or has any information, isasked to call Vancouver police at 604-717-2541.