Man attacked with spray on doorstep

Date published: 24 August 2009

A man had a noxious substance sprayed in his face during an attack on his own doorstep.
It happened during an attempted burglary on Piethorne Close in Newhey on Saturday evening (22 August).

At about 9.30pm, the 61-year-old victim answered the door and was confronted by a man in a balaclava who sprayed the victim in the eyes with an unknown substance.

He ran upstairs and was followed by the offender, and to protect himself punched the would-be thief in the chest.

As the offender retreated, the victim threw his gym bag and the man fled out of the house. During the struggle, the homeowner was either kicked or banged to his leg, causing it to bleed.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has any information to come forward. It is thought the offender may have got into a car, so police are also asking anyone who saw a parked car on Piethorne Road that then drove off at speed at about the time of the crime to come forward.

Detective Constable Ben Harris, of Rochdale CID, said: "Although the offender did not steal anything, the intention was clear and he was prepared to use such force that he sprayed the victim in the eyes with some sort of substance.

"Though he was not seriously injured, who knows what was used and the victim could conceivably have been blinded.

"We need to apprehend this man as soon as possible and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.