Police are appealing for information following an assault in Middleton

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

East Way, Middleton

A 38-year-old man was knocked unconscious when he was assaulted on East Way, Middleton on Friday afternoon (1 May).

The victim, his partner and young child were crossing the road when two men in a Volkswagen Tiguan verbally abused and threatened them. A short time later, a passenger alighted the vehicle and punched the victim, knocking him unconscious.

The man was taken to hospital with a fractured skull, bleed on the brain and swollen eye. He has since been discharged.

One of the men in the vehicle is described as mixed race, approximately 25-years-old, 5ft 10-11in tall and of a medium build with black hair and a goatee. At the time of the incident, he was wearing dark clothing including a black body warmer.

A 20-year-old man who was previously arrested on suspicion of assault has been released under investigation.

Detective Sergeant Paul Davies, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “This was an unprovoked assault and the victim sustained serious injuries which could have resulted in devastating consequences.

“Enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing to anyone with information or dash-cam footage from the area at the time of the incident to contact us as soon as possible.

“We are particularly interested in hearing from a woman who was driving another vehicle in front of the Volkswagen and slowed down to allow the victim and his family to cross the road.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4646 quoting 1316 of 01/05/20 or the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.