Sheffield park attack victim is boss of lingerie firm

Anthony Power, aged 78, from Bradway, Sheffield, who founded lingerie manufacturer Panache, is fighting for his life after suffering a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain in the assault at High Hazels Park, Darnall.

He had gone to the park to look for his missing brother but police believe he was attacked for the keys to his Bentley car. He also lost his iPhone and cash in the attack last Monday evening.

Mr Power’s company, based at Drake House, near Crystal Peaks, is a leading international brand with a presence in 30 countries and offices in New York, Germany and Hong Kong.

The company supplies retail chains including Debenhams and House of Fraser, and has been endorsed by celebrities including Scarlett Johannson, Holly Willoughby and Katie Price.

Panache is described as a ‘world-leader in the lingerie business’.

A spokeswoman for Panache said: “Mr Power is a self-made man who founded International brand Panache over 30 years ago and which now employs over 120 people locally.

“As a close, family-run company, this incident has come as a big shock to the business and our thoughts and prayers are with the Power family at this difficult and private time.”

The company was created by Mr Power, who is married to Maureen, in 1982, after working for Playtex lingerie.

Mr Power, known to colleagues as ‘Tony’, stepped down as managing director in 2007, replaced by one of his two sons, John Power.

His other son Danny is business development director.

Mr Power also has two daughters and grandchildren.

Shocked residents in Bradway said Mr Power was known in the area for driving around in his Bentley, which had a personalised number plate spelling out his name.

“He is a very successful businessman and it’s awful that such a thing could happen to an elderly man,” one resident said.

Dore and Totley Lib Dem councillor Joe Otten said: “It’s a great shock and my thoughts are with Mr Power and his family.

“Sheffield is one of the safest cities in the country but plainly this kind of thing should not be happening.”

n Imran Khan, 30, of Handsworth Road, Darnall, has been charged with attempted murder and robbery. Khan was remanded in custody at a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.

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Game On: Bringin’ the buzz on sports

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Hat tip: Deadspin

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