Teenager knocked out in unprovoked attack

GMP

A teenager was knocked unconscious after being attacked from behind in Rochdale.

It happened as the 19-year-old man was walking a friend home along Great Gates Road in Kirkholt at about 2.00am on Saturday 26 February 2011.

Without provocation or warning, two men jumped him from behind. He felt a blow to the back of head, hit the floor and then blacked out.

After regaining consciousness, nothing appeared to have been stolen and he went to the Royal Oldham Hospital for treatment.

X-rays revealed he would need to see a specialist about a possible fracture to his left eye socket and he also needed treated for cuts and bruises to his face and shoulder.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about what happened to come forward.

Detective Constable Tim O'Callaghan, from Rochdale CID, said: "This was a nasty attack on a young man who was minding his own business and walking a friend home.

"He cannot remember much about the attack, but it appears to be without any motive because nothing was stolen. That means whoever was responsible did it for no other reason than to hurt someone, and such violence cannot go unpunished.

"We have all seen the tragedies that can happen when people are attacked, and such violence will not be tolerated. We work very hard with our partners to try and reduce the risk of violence in our communities, but sadly there are always a minority who commit these types of offences and that is why we are appealing to the public to help us catch them.

"We need to find his attackers, arrest them and put them behind bars.

"I would appeal to anyone who either witnessed what happened, or has information about this attack, to call us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8632 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.