E-fits released following attack

The e-fits released by police following the attack

Police have released e-fits of two men after a man and teenage boy were attacked in Rochdale.

At around 8.15pm on Saturday 28 January 2012, the 16-year-old victim and 21-year-old victim were walking with friends along the footpath leading towards the canal tow path close to Sandbrook Retail Park, Edinburgh Way, when they were approached from behind by three men.

The men ran at them causing a number of the group to run off while the two victims continued to walk.

Both were attacked and punched in the face. The 21-year-old man was hit with a bottle before he was repeatedly kicked and punched to the head and body as he lay on the ground.

The men ran off in the direction of Deeplish.

One man is described as being Asian, in his mid 20s, around 5ft 10in tall and had black hair. He wore a long white coat with two pockets over the knees.

The second man is described as being Asian and of stocky build. He wore a black jacket with bright orange stitching on the shoulders and arms.

The third man is described as being Asian.

Detective Inspector Melani Linton from Rochdale CID said: “Despite the attack and the injuries they sustained, the victims have been able to describe their attackers in such detail that we have been able to produce these e-fits.

“I would urge people in the community to take a good look at these images and if they and the descriptions we have provided are recognised by anyone, please contact police as soon as possible.

“I can understand why this has caused concern within the community however, we cannot speculate why they were attacked and I do not want anyone to presume this has happened for a specific reason.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack or may have seen the offenders running in the direction of Deeplish, near to the tow path, to contact police.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8716 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.