Woman suffers puncture wound during attack

A woman was attacked and suffered a puncture wound to her abdomen.

It happened when she, her husband and another couple were walking along Sandy Lane in Rochdale between 10.30pm and 11pm on Tuesday (17 August 2010).

A group of between six and eight youths, all white and thought to be 16-18-years-old, circled the two couples and started shouting abuse.

One then slapped the woman in the face and hit her in the side.

When she got home later, she noticed some bleeding and a puncture wound to her abdomen. Police are investigating whether a weapon was used to cause the injury, which was not serious.

Police are also appealing to anyone who has information to come forward.

Detective Constable Heidi Edge said: "This was a totally unprovoked attack that, thankfully, was not as serious as it could have been.

"The use of such of wanton violence is something Greater Manchester Police takes extremely seriously because no-one should be intimidated or attacked in this way. The Force has made it a priority to tackle violent crime and I want to assure her and members of the community that should we identify those responsible, we will do all we can to ensure they are punished.

"I would therefore appeal to anyone who has information that will help us to come forward.

"I might be that you witnessed something, or have heard some gossip, or perhaps even know some of those involved. If you do, then please do the right thing and come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4591 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111