Man stabbed in attempted car robbery (Heywood)

A man was stabbed in front of his girlfriend as robbers attempted to steal his car.

At about 8.20pm on Saturday 31 January 2009, the 24-year-old man was with his girlfriend when he was attacked at Hornchurch Court.

The pair were getting out of a Renault Megane Sport when two offenders approached them.

Both were armed with knives and threatened to hurt the victims if the car keys were not handed over.

The man struggled with his attacker, during which he suffered a stab wound to the forearm.

The pair eventually ran off empty handed in the direction of Middleton Road.

The man's injuries were not life threatening.

Both offenders are described as being white men, 6ft 2in tall, wearing balaclavas and grey clothing, with local accents.

Shazia Maqsood from the Rochdale Volume Crime team said: "This was a brutal attack that could have had more devastating consequences for both victims.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen this to come forward and contact police."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8632 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.