Surgery for fractured skull

Manchester stand-up Des Sharples has suffered a fractured skull after being attacked in the street in Tenerife.

The comic also broke his eye socket and his nose in the assault, by a fellow English holidaymaker and two Dutchmen.

The 39-year-old underwent hospital treatment last night, and the surgery was said to be a success.

Fellow comedian Chris Roche, who is organising a benefit gig for Sharples, said: ‘It happened when Des was on holiday, after he began talking amicably to an English guy in a bar.

‘Whatever happened afterwards is unknown but it culminated in this Englishman holding Des down while two Dutch guys kicked him in the face a few times.

‘He was originally scheduled to return home today, but is now expected home in the next few days.’

Tenerife police are believed to have arrested one man in connection with the assault.

Alan Carr, Jason Manford, Justin Moorhouse and Seymour Mace have confirmed they will take part in the benefit gig next week, although the full line-up, venue and exact date have yet to be announced.

Sharples hosts the regular Mirth On Monday gig at the Iguana bar in Chorlton, Manchester, and performs mainly around the North-West.

Published: 24 Jul 2007