Shopper attacked with screwdriver

Date published: 09 October 2009

A shopper was attacked by a would-be robber wielding a screwdriver.

The attacker punched his 32-year old victim in the face and hit him with the screwdriver, cutting his neck.

The man had been approached on Mellor Street, after he had left ASDA with his shopping, by a man who told him, 'whatever you've got, give it to me', at around 6.30pm on Monday (5 October).

The victim refused to hand over his belongings so the offender attacked him.

Passing motorists began shouting from their cars and the offender ran off towards ASDA.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to the cut to his neck, but was otherwise uninjured in the attack.

The attacker was described as a white man, aged 16 to 18, about 5ft 9in tall, of skinny build and was dressed entirely in black.

Detective Sergeant Sam Halligan, from the Volume Crime Team based at Rochdale Police Station, said: "This was a horrible experience for the victim as nobody ever expects a trip to the shops to end with an attack like this.

"If you saw anything that might help us catch him or know who did this, please contact me."

Anyone with any information should call 0161 856 8632 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.