A darts fan was rendered unconscious by an individual dressed as a lobster outside Alexandra Palace during the World Darts Championship. The Metropolitan Police Service has initiated an investigation and is seeking public assistance to identify a man in distinctive fancy dress.
The incident occurred on December 13, the third day of the tournament. According to police, the 20-year-old victim left the venue around 4:30 p.m. and encountered a group of men in lobster costumes. An initial argument ensued, leading to their separation by site security.
Shortly after, the victim re-encountered the group on the venue's concourse. During this second encounter, one of the men in costume punched the victim, causing him to lose consciousness. The victim sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries requiring hospital treatment, from which he is reportedly still suffering.
Detective Constable Lizzie Coster, leading the investigation, commented on the distinctiveness of the suspect's costume and the public setting of the assault. "We are releasing a CCTV image of the suspect in the hope that it will jog the memory of attendees, or anyone else who was in the area at the time," she stated. "Our thoughts are with the victim in this case, and we hope the best for his recovery."
The World Darts Championship ran from December 2025 to January 2026. During the event on December 13, two-time champion Gary Anderson defeated Adam Hunt 3-2 in a first-round match. Luke Littler ultimately won the championship for the second consecutive year, defeating Gian van Veen 7-1 in the final on January 3.
Authorities are appealing for information and ask that anyone with relevant details contact them by calling 101, quoting reference number 6879/13DEC.