Man in critical condition after being punched in the face

Dixy Chicken takeaway on Reed Hill, off Yorkshire Street

A man is in a critical condition in hospital after he was assaulted outside a takeaway in Rochdale. The 59-year-old man was outside Dixy Chicken takeaway on Reed Hill, off Yorkshire Street, at around 9.15pm onThursday night (28 September), when he was punched once in the face.

He fell backwards and hit his head on the floor, suffering a serious head injury, and is now in a critical condition.

It is believed he could have been approached by up to five men outside the takeaway, one of which assaulted him.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion on section 18 assault and remains in custody for questioning.

GMP’s Detective Inspector Wes Knights said: "I need to hear from anyone who was in the Reed Hill area yesterday evening at around this time, who may have seen something.

"It is a busy part of town in the evening and I would urge people to come forward with information which could be vital for us trying to establish how this man came to be seriously assaulted."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 2356 of 28/09/17.