CCTV stills of bus station assault suspects

Bus station attack - CCTV still of suspects

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Police have released CCTV images of two boys who punched and stole from a boy waiting for a bus at Rochdale bus station.

The attack took place at about 2pm on Sunday 23 August.

The 12-year-old boy was waiting for a bus on his own when around ten boys approached him, asking him the name of his school.

The victim became intimidated and ran out of the bus station, into the main bus terminal building.

Two of the group followed the victim, caught up with him and punched him in the face. They demanded his bag, from which they stole cash, and ran off towards the bus stands.

One offender is described as being white and the other is described as being Asian. They are both around 12-years-old, and of slim build.

Police are hoping that witnesses may recognise the pair from the CCTV stills, which show what the pair were wearing.

Police Constable Ruth Thompson said: "This was an entirely unprovoked attack on a defenceless young boy who tried to avoid trouble. It was a truly cowardly attack.

"We are appealing to anyone who was around the bus station and saw what happened to speak to us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8427 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.