Yobs smash broken mug into teens face

Scarred: The teenager, Stephan Coffey, suffered a gash to the side of his face.

A teenager needed stitches after he was hit in the face with a broken mug in Heywood.

At about 10.15pm on Saturday 28 February 2009, the 15-year-old was walking along Snowdon Street, Heywood, with a friend when three men approached him.

One of the group asked if either of the boys were called Grant, to which they replied no.

The man hit the victim over the head with a yellow mug, containing something hot, which smashed.

The attacker then hit the boy in the face with one of the smashed pieces, leaving him with a deep gash on his left cheek.

The victim and his friend ran off.

The first offender was described as a white man, aged about 17 or 18, 5ft 8in tall, with short dark hair and a mole on his cheek near to his mouth. He was wearing a dark blue jumper, jeans and trainers and was carrying a yellow mug.

The second offender was described as a white man, aged 17 or 18, 5ft 6in tall, of average build and wore a black hooded top.

The third was described as a white man, aged 17 or 18, 5ft 6in tall and was chubby with short blond hair. He was wearing a blue and white stripped jumper and tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Sergeant Graham Hook, of Rochdale CID, said: "This was a vicious and unprovoked attack and this teenager has been left with a horrible injury to his face as a result.

"It is vital we catch the person responsible and I would appeal for anyone with information that could help us catch the culprits to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.