Campers thrown into river during violent attack

Two campers were thrown into the River Spodden during a violent attack early on Friday morning (14 August).

Two men have been charged with the attack on a group of men, who were camping at a site off Spotland Road.

The pair walked up to the camp site and demanded cigarettes from the campers at around 5.30am. The group were then attacked. A 17-year old boy was punched, two men were thrown into the river and another man jumped into the river to escape the attackers.

A 26-year-old man suffered a fractured knee cap and a fractured right foot, a 34-year-old man damaged his knee ligaments and will need surgery and a 19-year-old man has a broken knee and severe ligament damage.

Daniel Fielding, 23, of Eden Street, Falinge, has been charged with three counts of section 18 assault (causing grievous bodily harm with intent), attempted robbery and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Gareth Lowe, 22, of Hendriff Place, Falinge, has been charged with two counts of section 18 assault (causing grievous bodily harm with intent), attempted robbery and escaping lawful custody.

Fielding and Lowe were due to appear at Rochdale Magistrates' Court on Saturday (15 August).