CCTV stills released following racist attack

CCTV image of a man who racially abused and attacked a passerby

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CCTV stills of a man who racially abused and attacked a passerby in Rochdale town centre have been released.

At about 4.00pm on Monday 9 May 2011, the victim, a 31-year-old Asian man, was walking through the Wheatsheaf Centre on Yorkshire Street. The offender started to racially abuse the man and after a short while grabbed him by the collar, putting a biro to the side of his face. The victim could also feel a sharp item on the small of his back.

He managed to get away but the abuse continued, and again the offender grabbed the victim and put the pen to his face.

Nearby security guards managed to help the victim but the man ran away.

CCTV stills from the shopping centre and the nearby job centre have now been released in a bid to assist the police’s appeal for information to help trace the offender.

He is described as being a white man in his late 40s to early 50s, about 6ft tall and of skinny to medium build. He was wearing a T shirt labelled "EDL Stockport".

Sergeant Colin Macdiarmid said: "The abuse this victim suffered can only be described as vitriolic and appalling. Thankfully he was not hurt though the behaviour of the offender led him to fear for his safety.

"We have carried out a number of inquiries to trace the offender, including speaking to the job centre where he was seen, but we now need someone who recognises this offender to contact us.

"Racist thugs are not welcome anywhere in Greater Manchester and this man needs to be caught and held to account for his actions."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9961 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.