Man collapses after being robbed

A man collapsed moments after being robbed.

At about 1.30pm on 28 April 2012, a 22-year-old man was walking along the A671 Oldham Road in the Turf Hill area, when he was approached from behind by three offenders.

One of the robbers punched him in the back, knocking him to the ground.

His pockets were then riffled through and his mobile phone stolen before the three offenders walked off towards Rochdale town centre.

The victim went to follow the men but decided to visit a friend when he started to feel unwell. As he was making his way to his friend’s house he passed out. An ambulance was called and the man was taken to Rochdale Urgent  Care Centre before later being allowed home.

One offender is described as white, 18-years-old, 6ft tall and of slim build with short dark hair. He had some spots around his mouth and was wearing a grey Nike tracksuit.

The second offender was about 19 years old, white, of medium build with short dark hair and was short in height.

The third offender was white, about 18 years old, of medium build with a spotty complexion. He is described as being tall with short blond hair and was wearing a Nike tracksuit.

Police Constable John Byrne, of the Volume Crime Team, said: “We don’t know what caused the victim to collapse, but the likelihood is that it was brought on by being robbed by the three offenders.

“It was the middle of the day and the area would have been busy so I want anyone who saw anything or who knows who is responsible to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4643, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.