THE family of a Barrow woman who suffered an horrific assault have released shocking photos of the aftermath in a fresh appeal for witnesses.
Michaela Stewart, of Mardale Grove, sustained deep cuts to her face when she was hit by a bottle in the Greengate Street and Jarrow Street area on April 29.
The injuries have paralysed part of her face, caused permanent scarring and doctors say the recovery and healing process will take many months.
The 27-year-old was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital by the North West Air Ambulance Service where she has been receiving regular treatment for her injuries since the assault.
Although now back home, Miss Stewart may need to undergo complex reconstructive surgery to her face.
Family's appeal
Her family hope by releasing the photos, one of which shows Miss Stewart in the back of an ambulance just minutes after the attack, will encourage witnesses to come forward to help the police investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
Natalie Stewart, Miss Stewart's older sister, said: "It was all over her body, her face, her arms. It's paralysed part of her face.
"She might have to have a nerve taken from somewhere and put in her face.
"It's terrible what's happened. She's on medication.
"We don't want it to happen to anybody else.
"We want to make sure [the people responsible] don't cause pain to anybody else."
The photo to the side of Miss Stewart's face taken recently shows the deep laceration caused and the bruising around it.
Investigation latest
Police were called to the Greengate Street and Jarrow Street junction area at 6.46pm on Friday April 29 after receiving reports of a disturbance involving a group of young males and females.
A 33-year-old man, a 32-year-old woman and two female juveniles have been arrested in connection with the incident.
All four have been bailed until June 6.
Anybody who saw the incident should ring Cumbria Constabulary on 101, asking to speak to Barrow CID and quoting log reference 192 of April 29.
RELATED ARTICLE
Witness appeal after woman sustains facial injuries in Barrow disturbance
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here