Re-appeal for witnesses following officer assault

Police are re-appealing for witnesses after an off duty police officer was seriously assaulted in Rochdale just before Christmas.

The victim was on his way home from work at about 7am on Saturday 20 December last year, when he saw a woman arguing with a man, who was part of a group, on Roch Valley Way in Bamford.

As the 42-year-old went over to see if he could help he was hit with something from behind by one of the men in the group.

The man then ran off with another man and a woman along an alleyway on Holborne Street.

The officer was taken to hospital with a fractured cheekbone and eyesocket for which he is receiving continuing treatment.

Officers are keen to speak to people who were at a party at a house nearby, or anyone that may have seen the offender running away from the incident.

Detective Constable Nigel Humphreys from Rochdale CID said: “There would have been a lot of people around when the victim was assaulted and I would appeal to them to do the right thing and come forward.

“The victim was simply trying to see if he could help a woman he thought was in trouble, but was instead brutally assaulted and it is vital we catch the man responsible.”

The offender is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build. He was wearing a shirt and trousers and had dark hair.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and has been bailed until Monday 16 February 2009 pending further inquiries.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4643, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.