When you think of Paul Hollywood, the charming judge from The Great British Bake Off, you probably don’t imagine his family going through such a frightening experience.
But recently, Paul opened up about something deeply personal — his brother Lee was the victim of a nasty and completely unprovoked assault while out walking his dog.
What Happened During the Attack
The incident took place on the evening of Friday, 8 August, at around 7:10 pm, near Links View Playing Fields close to Shackleton Road in Leasowe.
According to a statement shared by Wirral Police, the trouble started when Lee’s dog and another dog began barking at each other.
Though the dogs were quickly separated, tensions escalated when the other dog’s walker got angry.
As Lee tried to walk away, he was suddenly approached from behind, punched to the ground, and then kicked in the face and back. The attacker fled the scene immediately.
Injuries and Police Investigation
Sadly, Lee suffered injuries to his face and back severe enough to require hospital treatment.
Police have launched a full investigation, combing through CCTV footage and calling on any witnesses who might have been nearby at the time to come forward.
Detective Inspector Phil Ryan described the assault as “nasty and unprovoked,” emphasizing the seriousness of the attack and the need for public help in tracking down the culprit.
Paul Hollywood’s Personal Appeal
Paul Hollywood himself shared the police appeal on his Instagram, confirming that the victim was indeed his brother Lee.
He urged anyone with information to get in touch with Merseyside Police, providing contact details for reporting tips.
“Any information, please follow the details above. Thank you,” Paul wrote, showing his support for his brother during this difficult time.
Lee Hollywood’s Baking Journey and Setbacks
Like Paul, Lee has a passion for baking. In fact, he ran his own artisan bread business called Born & Bread in the Wirral.
The company supplied hundreds of bakeries, restaurants, and even football clubs with fresh bread and sweet treats.
However, things didn’t go smoothly for Lee’s business.
Several local outlets confirmed to the Daily Mail that Born & Bread went into administration a while back.
Suppliers who depended on Lee’s bread suddenly found themselves needing new sources as the company’s financial struggles became public.
Financial Troubles and Community Impact
Records from Companies House revealed that Born & Bread owed over £100,000 in 2018, with fewer assets to cover the debt.
The company has since closed permanently, and its online presence disappeared.
People who knew the business and relied on its products expressed sadness over its closure, highlighting how tough the local baking industry can be.
A Family of Bakers with Different Paths
Lee once joked about being the family’s “grafter,” working long hours to keep his business alive, while Paul enjoyed fame from his Bake Off role.
Paul’s own artisan bread business had also faced difficulties, going into liquidation in 2014 before he stepped away from that market.
