Jack Dee plea after attack

Jack Dee has appealed for help from witnesses after a friend was attacked by teenagers in the West End and left fighting for his life.

TV stars have joined in a vigil for sound engineer Keith Mayes, who is on a life-support machine after being punched repeatedly and left with a fractured skull.

He was attacked as he took a five-minute break from filming at the Gielgud Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue to buy a bottle of water and cigarettes.

He was set upon by the teenagers after a row over their bicycles. It is thought he might have nudged their bikes as he tried to get into Budgens supermarket at the junction of Shaftesbury Avenue and Rupert Street.

Mr Mayes, 46, who is married and lives in Brentford, Essex, has been in the TV business for 20 years. He has worked with Dee, fellow comedians Jeff Green and Lee Evans and also on TV's Fame Academy.

Dee said: "Keith is a great guy and a good operator. I have worked with him on many occasions. If anyone can come forward and help to tell police any more about what happened we would all be very grateful. We are all very worried."

Evans, also a friend, has been among those visiting Mr Mayes in hospital after the attack at about 4pm on Sunday.

Two youths aged 16 and 17 have been arrested.

Anyone with information should phone police on 020 7321 8875 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.