Litter-picker attacked on rounds

A MEMBER of a local community group has been subjected to an unprovoked attack while out picking litter in Widnes.

A 23-year-old member of the group Keep Widnes Tidy was violently assaulted while performing selfless community service on Sunday (February 21) on playing fields near to Wade Deacon High School and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College.

The young man was shoved by the thug, before having his trolley kicked over and the bag of litter he had collected ripped open.

After the attack, the 23-year-old took to social media saying he was shocked by the incident and was grateful for all the support he had received.

Keep Widnes Tidy was set up to “clear up grot spots around Widnes and keep our town clean”.

It was a finalist in the Keep Britain Tidy Network Awards in 2019.

Posting after the incident, the litter picker said: “As some people may be aware I was targeted yesterday afternoon whereby a young male decided to kick my trolley over, push me and then rip open a bag of litter I collected.

“As you will all be, am shocked that someone could do this.

“I am safe and well and the support I have received so far as been absolutely incredible and I thank you all for your well wishes. I’m sure karma will come on this individual in due course.”

A spokesperson for Cheshire Constabulary said: “At around 2.45pm on Sunday, February 21, police received a report of a 23-yearold man from Widnes having been pushed over by a teenage boy.

“The incident occurred as the man was litter picking on playing fields near to Wade Deacon High School and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College in Widnes. He did not sustain any injuries as a result of the incident.

“The teenage boy, who was carrying a blue backpack, is described as white and approximately 16 or 17 years old. He had a slim build, short dark and scruffy hair and was wearing a red T-shirt and black shorts.

“After the incident he walked off with two other teenage boys in the direction of Lynton Crescent.”

Anyone with any information about the incident should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 922549.