Man dressed as lobster 'knocked out' darts fan at world championship in London

A man dressed as a lobster allegedly knocked out a darts fan after an argument at the sport's world championship, police have said.

The victim, a man in his 20s, was punched unconscious outside the event, held at the Alexandra Palace in north London on 13 December, the third day of the tournament.

He met a group of men dressed as lobsters as he left the venue at about 4.30pm.

An argument broke out between the man and the group, and they were separated by site security.

But the man ran into the group again shortly after, as he was walking along the venue's concourse, and one of the men punched him unconscious, the Metropolitan Police said.

The man received hospital treatment for serious but not life-threatening injuries from which he is still suffering, according to the force.

On Monday, detectives published a CCTV image of a man they would like to question in connection with the incident.

Detective Constable Lizzie Coster, leading the investigation, said: "This assault occurred outside at a major sporting event, and the suspect was wearing a distinctive costume.

She said they "hope that it [the picture] will jog the memory of attendees, or anyone else who was in the area at the time.

"Our thoughts are with the victim in this case, and we hope the best for his recovery."

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Fancy dress has become a tradition for darts fans - something thought to have begun as a fun way for groups to get themselves on TV.

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On day three of the 2026 World Darts Championship, which ran from December 2025 to January 2026, two-time champion Gary Anderson beat Adam Hunt 3-2 in a tense first round match.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man dressed as lobster 'knocked out' darts fan at world championship in London