Boy attacked with hammer

A 17-year-old boy was hit over the head twice with a hammer during an unprovoked attack in Heywood.

At around 2am on Saturday (4 September 2010), the victim was walking down York Street with two friends when they saw a group of youths shouting and running around.

He stopped to talk to a boy on Miller Street near the Tesco Express when someone ran up behind him and hit him twice on the head with a hammer.

The offender then ran off.

The victim went to hospital where he received 16 staples for two head wounds.

Detective Constable Michael Berger from Rochdale CID said: "This was a cowardly assault on a defenceless victim who had no idea he was going to be attacked. Unprovoked assaults like this are fortunately rare and it is vital we catch the person responsible which is why I am keen to hear from anyone that may have information.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8754 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.