Police appeal following racist attack

Police are appealing for help following a racist attack last November in which a man had his ankle fractured.

At about 8pm on Monday 2 November 2009, the 21-year-old white victim was walking along Clarkes Lane towards Falinge Road with his 17-year-old girlfriend when a large group of Asian men approached them from behind.

The group, all aged between about 16 and 18, surrounded the couple for no reason and began to attack both of them.

The girl managed to run off but the man was punched and kicked by the group, who were shouting racist abuse at the man throughout the attack.

The attack continued onto Falinge Road.

The man suffered a fractured ankle, for which he has had two operations and will need further surgery on, and injuries to his face and nose.

One of the offenders is described as Asian, 5ft 8in tall, between 18 and 20 years old, short black hair, of slim build with a pointy chin and nose.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Butterworth, of Rochdale CID, said: "The beating this man received was brutal and those responsible should be ashamed of themselves for behaving like a pack of animals.

"Incidents like this are extremely rare but the public can be assured we take incidents of this nature very seriously and that is why we are asking for the public's help.

"If anyone has any information that might help us bring them to justice or even knows who those responsible are, please contact me."

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