Jesse Ryder beaten up outside Chch bar
By: Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport staff | Latest Cricket News | Thursday March 28 2013 9:52
Jesse Ryder is in an induced coma in Christchurch Hospital, with what's believed to be a fractured skull and collapsed lung after being beaten up in the city.
In a statement police say they're investigating an incident at a bar in Merivale in the early hours of this morning.
A witness says he helped drag three men off the 28-year-old outside Aikman's Bistro and Bar on the corner of Aikmans and Papanui Roads in Merivale early this morning.
He says he only realised it was Jesse Ryder when he saw him on the ground.
He says Jesse Ryder stood up, some friends were with him, and they walked off together.
Police investigating the alleged assault say they have yet to make any arrests.
Alysha Green was at Aikman's Bar in Merivale last night and says Ryder was with a number of his Wellington Firebirds teammates but there was no trouble at all in the bar.
"No we were sitting at the table here outside all night and nothing. Like I said, they were the only other young group here."
Aikman's Bar owner Steven Holmes says the altercation took place off his premises and he won't comment on whether Ryder - who has a history of problems with alcohol - was drinking.
Murray Traill owns McDonald's in the area and says they'll speak to their staff and go through their CCTV footage.
"Really keen to find out what we can and obviously help the police if they're interested, I'm sure they are."
One witness says he helped move on two or three men who were involved in an attack.
He says he only realised it was Jesse Ryder when he saw him on the ground.
He says Jesse Ryder stood up, some friends were with him, and they walked off together.
Family members and Jesse Ryder's manager is heading to Christchurch to be by his side.
His manager Aaron Klee has tweeted "Thanks for the calls and msgs of support for Jesse. Just heading to Chch to see him.".
In another post on Twitter, New Zealand Cricket says it's thoughts are with Jesse Ryder.
Cricket commentator Bryan Waddle says it's devastating news.
"He did seem to attract attention and other people at times have looked to provoke him. I think he was making huge progress in his life."
Ryder was due to leave the country shortly to take part in the IPL.
Ryder played for the Wellington Firebirds yesterday in their Ford Trophy semi-final loss to the Wizards.
