Man thrown into canal

Overboard: The man was thrown into the canal after an early morning fight, starting in the Co-op

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A man was thrown into Castleton canal and another beaten after an early morning brawl on the railway platform.

Witnesses say a gang of males became aggressive after a failed attempt to buy alcohol from the co-op store on Manchester Road, and at 7.30am yesterday (Thursday 11 June), spilled into the road, where a 50-year-old man was hurled into the water.

The Co-op confirmed a small amount of alcohol was stolen.

It is believed the brawl continued into Castleton railway station, where another man was beaten on the platform.

The man was recovered from the canal and taken to Rochdale Infirmary for treatment to an eye and head injury. He has since been discharged.

Officers at the scene also found a second man, in his 30s who had been assaulted during the incident. He had suffered a head and nose injury and was also taken to hospital, where he remained overnight.

Three men aged 22, 26 and 27 were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, theft, section 47 assault (causing actual bodily harm).

The 22-year-old was also arrested for possession of an offensive weapon. All three remain in police custody for questioning.

PC Jacob Eaton, based at Rochdale police station, said: "We really want to speak to the woman who first alerted us to the fight. She was shouting at us, clearly fearful about the violent fight that had kicked off nearby.

"However, I'm sure she wasn't the only innocent bystander caught up in this. There would have been a few people around at that time in the morning so I would also appeal to them to come forward."

Police are now appealing for witnesses to help them piece together exactly what happened, and would like to speak to a woman who raised the alarm by pointing at the commotion.

She is described as white with blond, shoulder-length hair in a bob and wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 1977 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.