New York City police are searching for a group of people who beat a teenager into a coma outside Madison Square Garden. Authorities say the attack took place on Wednesday night, in the aftermath of the celebrations surrounding Game 4 of the NBA Finals, and they are now appealing for help to identify those responsible.
The victim is a 17-year-old who, according to police, had been working as a content creator and interviewing fans near the arena at the time. What started as the young man going about his work ended with him being set upon by a group in the crowded streets around the Garden.
Police say the group punched and kicked the teenager, leaving him with injuries so severe that he suffered a seizure and was left in a coma. The assault was carried out in a public area that had been packed with supporters following the team's run in the finals.
The attack happened on West 35th Street, in the streets around Madison Square Garden, an area that had drawn large crowds of fans during the playoffs. It is among the incidents that authorities have connected to the fallout from the recent celebrations in the city.
In an effort to track down those involved, the NYPD has released an image of one of the suspects it is looking for. Investigators are asking anyone who recognises the person, or who has information about the group, to come forward as they work to make arrests in the case.
The incident has highlighted the darker side of the excitement that has gripped the city, with a teenager left in a coma after what should have been an ordinary night near the arena. Police say they are continuing to appeal for the public's help as the search for the attackers goes on.