Family tell of devastation at attack

The family of Abigail Witchalls told today of their "utter devastation".

The husband of the 26-year-old and her parents have held a bedside vigil since the attack.

Abigail's father-in-law James Witchalls told the Standard she is an "absolutely beautiful" girl.

He said: "She is the most lovely woman you can ever imagine."

Abigail has been married to his son Benoit Witchalls for two years and they have a 21-month-old son called Joseph.

Mr Witchalls said: "Benoit is utterly devastated and grief-stricken and has been at the hospital all night by her side. They are very happily married and have the most beautiful boy. The family is utterly exhausted and we are just about coping."

Abigail's mother Professor Sheila Hollins is head of psychiatry at St George's hospital in Tooting, where the victim is fighting for her life.

Abigail and Benoit, a 26-year-old engineer, live at a ?1m farmhouse conversion set in extensive grounds in the village of Little Bookham.

It is surrounded by quiet country lanes where Abigail went for regular walks with Joseph.

Mr Witchalls said Abigail grew up in Wimbledon as one of four children. He has lived at the farmhouse - which he now shares with Abigail and Ben - for 26 years. It is minutes away from where the attack took place. He said: "She was walking along with Joseph, someone approached her and asked her for money. He then attacked her by stabbing her in the neck. The assailant has now damaged her spinal cord leaving her totally paralysed. She is now on a life support machine.

"Joseph was unharmed but during the attack his pushchair had turned upside down and he was on the floor. They were found by a neighbour and were rushed to hospital. The family received the call telling us of the attack from the hospital.

"It was a great shock for us all. Little Bookham is a lovely place. Nothing like this has ever happened here before."

Abigail's mother Sheila Hollins is an eminent psychiatrist specialising in the effect physical health can have on the mind. She is about to take up post as the next President of the Royal College of Psychiatry and will be inaugurated at the annual meeting in June.

She is Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the Academic Department of Mental Health at St George's. She is also Vice-President of the Institute of Psychotherapy and Disability.