The police are appealing for witnesses of a recent assault on Les Incompetents singer Billy Bell to come forward. The singer came under attack on his way home from the band’s gig in Camden last Thursday, and is still in hospital with a fractured skull.

A statement from the police says: “Police are appealing for witnesses and information to a serious assault in Islington. We were called at approximately 23:00 on 22/6/06 to reports of a man having been assaulted as he got off a No.29 bus in Camden Road, Islington. The victim, aged 19, alighted the bus in Camden Road, near Brecknock Road, N7. The suspect got off at the same stop and assaulted the victim. LAS attended and the victim was taken to a central London hospital, suffering from head injuries. His condition is described as life threatening. The suspect is described as a white male, aged approximately 28 years old, with dark hair and possibly an Australian accent. He was wearing a white shirt and blue jeans.”

DS Sean Smyth from Islington CID said: “The suspect and victim are believed to have exchanged words on the bus before the assault took place and I am appealing for information from anyone who was on the 29 bus just before 23.00 on the 22/06/06. I am also appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault in Camden Road, near Brecknock Road, to come forward. Witnesses reported having seen the suspect laughing as he headed north towards the Holloway Road after the attack. If it helps to jog people’s memories the assault took place the night Australia beat Croatia in the World Cup. So far no arrests have been made and inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the CID at Islington on 020 7421 0350 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A recent statement on the band’s website suggests that despite having a fractured skill, the singer is now in a stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.