Pensioner in hospital following attack in Radcliffe (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Pensioner in hospital following attack in Radcliffe

9:58am Wednesday 14th November 2012 in News

A man is currently on a high dependency ward in hospital after a savage and unprovoked attack in Radcliffe.

The 69-year-old man was returning to his home after buying his morning newspaper when he was attacked on Milltown Street at about 10.30am on Monday 29 October 2012.

The victim had just been to buy his paper at Premiere Food and Wines on Stand Lane when he was approached by three young men dressed in dark clothing, believed to be on BMX bikes.

One of the men started to go through his pockets while another demanded cash and the man's mobile phone.

The victim produced a 10p piece which was all he had on him, at which point he was punched in the face and fell to the ground. His assailants then ran off.

The man struggled with severe bruising to his face and arm for several days until a family member reported it to police on 2 November 2012. The victim then went to hospital for treatment to his injuries, and remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Danny Whitaker said: "This man is very poorly in hospital.

"That is why his family have agreed to release pictures of the very severe bruising he sustained to his arms, and also his face, which shows the sheer ferocity with which this man was attacked.

"I would therefore appeal to anyone who witnessed this attack, or who has information, to come forward.

"This man was simply minding his own business. He was on his way back home to read his newspaper with just 10p in his pocket and was needlessly set upon by his attackers. It is a totally senseless crime and I would therefore urge anyone who has any information to search their conscience and if they do know something, they should call us."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.