Police launch urgent appeal to trace witnesses of Middleton collision

Detectives investigating what is believed to be a targeted attack against a man in Middleton on Friday (10 December) have issued a fresh appeal for information.

A man in his 30s remains in a critical condition after being involved in a collision on Bowness Road on Friday in which a car failed to stop at the scene.
 

Read more: Cyclist in critical condition after 'targeted' attack in MiddletonPublished: 10 December 2021

Enquiries have since established that the offending vehicle – believed to be a blue Toyota Yaris – may have been involved in a second collision in the moments directly after the incident.

The second collision is believed to have occurred at one of the Slattocks roundabouts at around 6.45am.

Police now appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision – or has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time - to contact police as soon as possible.

Officers were called shortly before 6.50am on Friday 10 December to a report of a fail-to-stop collision on Bowness Road between a blue Toyota Yaris and a cyclist.

The Toyota then fled the scene, leaving the cyclist – a man in his 30s – seriously injured and requiring hospital treatment.

The victim also suffered facial injuries consistent with being attacked with a weapon. It is unknown at this stage when these injuries may have occurred.

Enquiries suggest this was a targeted attack and there isn’t believed to be a wider threat to the public. However, reassurance patrols will continue across the area.  

Detective Inspector Nicola Hopkinson, of GMP Rochdale's CID, said: “This was a shocking incident and we are determined to find those responsible.

“We are continuing to follow a number of lines of enquiry in this investigation and that includes tracing any crucial witnesses to this incident or the subsequent collision in Slattocks.

“Our CCTV enquiries also lead us to believe that there was a dog walker in the vicinity of the incident who may have seen the offending vehicle and victim just prior to this terrifying event unfolding.

“If this is you, or you know who this person is, please call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8719. You can also report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“The information you provide - no matter how small - could prove vital in helping us locate the offenders of this awful incident.”