Coyle family 'gutted' as fruit stall vandalised

The family behind a well-known fruit and veg stall say they are "gutted" after it was vandalised for a second time.

Coyle and Sons, on King Edward Street, Hull, was founded by the late Chris Coyle more than 30 years ago and is now run by his sons in his memory.

Tommy Coyle, a former boxer and one of the owners, said the stall's canopy was slashed open and stock thrown down the street on the night of April 7.

"The business is tough enough as it is, we're already running at a loss," he added.

Tommy arrived at the stall at midnight and said a witness told him teenagers were responsible.

"The thing that was really beautiful was one of the homeless gents that we know and we look after day in, day out was here trying to fix it for us.

"I kind of smiled. It was bittersweet really."

Chris Coyle died in 2022, aged 59. His sons – Tommy, Lewie, Rocco and Joe – are all talented sportsmen, with Lewie captaining Hull City.

Tommy said of his dad: "He isn't here anymore, but he's still the gaffer in my eyes, he's still the boss and I can hear him saying, get that pitch set up, no matter what happens.

"This stall, six or seven months of the year, loses money. It costs me an absolute fortune.

"At the end of the day, it's how I was brought up. I still feel like he's here by my side at the stall and I can't let this place go."

Coyle said the family had chosen not to report the matter to the police. The stall has been patched up and is open as usual.

In 2024, the stall was badly damaged when it was set on fire.

He said those responsible for the latest incident probably did not "understand the sentiment" behind the business.

In a message to them, he added: "You're making silly mistakes, hopefully you'll learn from them. This is someone's livelihood.

"I've made a load of mistakes growing up, I wasn't an angel. That's why I don't get too upset.

"Just be a decent person."

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