Man hit with wooden bar as thugs try to steal dogs

YOBS attacked a man with a wooden bar and attempted to steal his dogs.

The 25-year-old victim was walking along the Rochdale Canal with his pets, near Surma Close off Elder Street, when he was approached by two men.

One man asked the victim for the time and as he looked down at his watch the other man struck him with a wooden bar.

The two men shouted abuse at the victim as he tried to balance himself after the blow.

He was then kicked in the stomach to the floor.

The two men tried to take the man’s valuables and his dogs, but were unsuccessful.

They then fled from the scene along the canal path.

The victim was left suffering with injuries to his face and he was taken to hospital for further treatment.

PC Frances Pearson, of GMP’s Rochdale Borough, said: “It’s awful to think that this man has been attacked in broad daylight on a canal walk.

“The two men have left a man in hospital after attempting to take his valuables and beloved dogs.

“If you were in the area at the time and heard anything suspicious, then I’m asking for you to please get in touch with police and share any details you have.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 795 of 190/09/17. This can be done anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.