Attackers use CS spray in failed carjacking

Two men punched a driver and sprayed him with CS spray in a bid to steal his car on Saturday night (16 May).

Shortly after 11pm, the 18-year-old victim was sitting in his black Fiat Punto outside the Ho-Li Chinese Takeaway on Long Street, Middleton, and two men, who were standing in a group of four, approached the car and on two separate occasions asked the victim for a cigarette.

They returned a third time, asked for a cigarette again, but this time they forced open the driver’s door leant in and sprayed the victim with CS spray.

They punched him in the face, but the driver sounded the horn and the offenders ran away.

The man was not seriously hurt, but was left shaken.

The offenders are described as white men wearing hooded tops.

Detective Constable Julian Peach, of Rochdale CID said: “This was a frightening ordeal for this man, who was simply waiting outside the chip shop for his partner.

“I’m appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, but in particular to a man and woman who were standing at the bus stop on the opposite side of Long Street. They may have vital information for us and we really need them to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information should call the Rochdale Robbery Unit on 0161 856 4669 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.