Police appeal to trace taxi driver following Middleton assault

Police appeal to speak to taxi driver following Middleton assault

Officers investigating the attack of a man in Middleton are appealing for the taxi driver who helped him to come forward.

On Saturday 18 September 2010, between 3am and 4am, the 50-year-old man was walking back to his car, when he was approached by two men at the junction of Oldham Road and Townley Street.

One of the men had a knife and made threats towards the victim.

They were described as white, one aged around 19 to 20 years old and the second around 20 to 25 years old.

The man was found a short time later and helped into a taxi, which took him to the police station.

The man was treated for injuries consistent with an assault to his head and ear.

Officers have not yet been able to trace or speak to the taxi driver.

He was described as white, 50 to 60 years old with short light coloured hair. He wore a light coloured shirt and dark trousers.

The taxi was a Mercedes Benz or a Lexus style car.

Detective Constable Russ Clarke of Rochdale CID said: "We would like to speak to the taxi driver who stopped to help the man as we think he may have been in the area at the time the man was assaulted.

"The driver is in no way in any trouble; we only want to speak to him as a witness.

"If you recognise his description, or if you are the driver, please give me a call."

Anyone with information should call police 0161 856 4622 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.