Man assaulted by gang of thugs in Heywood

Police in Heywood are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked in the street by a gang of thugs.

At around 8.30pm on Friday 25 January 2008, the 48-year-old victim left the Wishing Well pub and was walking on York Street to the White Lion.

The victim came across a group of six teenagers aged between 13 and 16-years-old, who began to taunt him.

He tried to dismiss the abuse with a joke, but his response was met with threats.

The youths pelted their victim to the head and face with unopened beer cans.

He managed to reach the White Lion pub and the youths fled.

The man went to hospital, where he was treated for a broken jaw.

The ringleader of the group is described as a white male, 15 years old, 5ft 3ins tall, of stocky build with short black hair. He was wearing a dark hooded top.

Detective Constable David South, of Rochdale CID, said: "This man was going out for a drink, but was subjected to a nasty and unprovoked attack by a mob.

"Someone must have seen all or part of this incident as scene of the offence is a busy main road and was opposite a Tesco Express which, at that time, would have been busy with customers.

"I would also appeal for one of the youths to come forward as one of them appeared to distance himself from the group and actually apologised to the victim for the behaviour of the others."

Anyone with any information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.