CCTV released following town centre attack

A CCTV image of a man the police want to speak to in connection with the attack

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Officers investigating an attack in which a teenager's jaw was broken in Rochdale have released CCTV images.

The 18-year-old was assaulted when he and a friend were standing outside Bar Pacific on South Parade sometime between 2.45am and 3.15am on Sunday 9 January 2011.

The man was approached by his attacker, who he did not know, and was punched in the face.

He fell to the floor unconscious and had to be taken to the North Manchester General Hospital for treatment. He underwent an operation to put a metal plate to hold his jaw in place and is now recovering.

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

Officers investigating the case have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the attack and another man and woman, who it is thought were with the man.

The attacker is described as white, in his late teens to early 20s, of a medium build and about 5ft 9in tall with short brown hair.

Detective Constable Nick Price, based at Middleton CID, said: "This was an act of wanton, senseless violence and is unfortunately the sort of mindless act that gives our town centre an unwanted reputation.

"It is very important we identify who this attacker is. It is also extremely important for the young man who has been through such a traumatic ordeal that we find his attacker and put him behind bars so his victim can have some peace of mind.

"We now have these images of three people who we want to speak to - if you recognise yourself or someone you know in the pictures, please get in touch with me.

"I would ask that if anyone was outside the bar at the time of the attack and saw what happened, or has any information at all, that they come forward and speak with us."

Anyone with information should call Middleton CID on 0161 856 1977 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.