Bellringer attacked at Christmas service

Norfolk Police are investigating the attack

A bellringer was punched in the face by a drunk as he welcomed the congregation to midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

Retired policeman Bill Dingle, 61, was attacked as he rang the bells in the tower of St Nicholas church in Dereham, Norfolk.

Mr Dingle: Punched by drunk

Mr Dingle suffered a black eye and was left shocked and covered in blood after the attack which took place at about 11.15pm.

He said: "We heard one of the doors slamming, then shortly after that there was a slam and the bell chamber door came open.

"This drunk came up into the bell chamber and he shouted and swore, telling the ringers to keep quiet."

Childhood hobby

Mr Dingle said the seven ringers calmed the man down after a struggle, but when they let go of him, he lashed out.

It is a terrible sign of the times

Bill Dingle

The attacker, aged about 25, thin and 5ft 9ins tall, then ran off.

Mr Dingle added: "It was awful because there were ladies there.

"It is a terrible sign of the times. It was totally unexpected and came right out of the blue, it was quite frightening."

The former policeman took up his childhood hobby again when bell ringers were needed for the millennium celebrations.