Warning following attacks in Castleton

Residents in Castleton are being urged to be vigilant after two unprovoked attacks in the space of four days.

Both victims were young men who were on their own when they were assaulted.

The first happened at about 11.15pm on Friday 5 February 2010, where a 20-year-old man was attacked with an unknown weapon. The second happened on Tuesday 9 February 2010 where a 26-year-old man was stabbed.

Although there is no evidence to link the two attacks, police in Rochdale are keeping an open mind and are asking people to be vigilant.

The first attack happened on Newchurch Street. The victim was approached by a man who, after asking for the time, lunged forward with a weapon. The victim was left with a scratch mark to his stomach after the offender ran off. He is described as white, 23-30 years, around 5ft 5in tall and wearing a white and blue-hooded top with thick horizontal stripes and blue jeans.

At about 5.15pm on Tuesday 9 February 2010, the 26-year-old man was stabbed on Scholes Street, sustaining a puncture wound to his back.

The offender is described as white, about 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in tall, of skinny build and wearing a black cap, a dark blue or black hooded top covering the cap and dark shell suit trousers.

Detectives Chief Inspector Graham Stevens said: "We do not want to cause any undue alarm or distress in the community. There is nothing evidentially to link these two attacks at this stage so I do not want anyone to think it is not safe to go out.

"However, it is right that we should warn our community what has happened so they can take precautions.

"We are continuing to appeal to anyone who has information about either of these incidents to come forward. We do need to find who is responsible so we can arrest them and take them off our streets where they can cause no more harm.

"If you do notice anyone acting suspiciously in your area, then please call us.

"I would also advise that where possible when out at night, stick with your friends and avoid short cuts. It might sound simple but we do not want anyone to fall victim to this sort of crime.

"I would also like to stress that we will be having extra patrols in the area while our officers try to identify the culprits."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800