Police appeal for public's help in identifying offender following assault

A still from the CCTV footage of the assault on Packer Street, 8 December 2013

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A man suffered serious injuries after he was felled by a single punch in an unprovoked assault in Rochdale.

At about 3.20am on Sunday 8 December 2013, a 22-year-old man was outside Yates' on Packer Street, when the offender approached him and struck him in the face.

The force of the blow knocked the man unconscious and he fell to the ground, banging his head.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries that included stitches to his face and treatment to swelling to his head. He has since been discharged from hospital.

Police have released CCTV of the incident and are appealing for the public's help to identify the offender and a woman who was with him.

Detective Constable Chris Whalley, said: "While the victim has suffered serious injuries, it is not an understatement to say he could have died as a result of this violent and seemingly unprovoked assault.

"I want the public to look closely at the CCTV and if they recognise the person responsible to contact us immediately.

"We also need to speak to the woman he was with and I am again appealing for information as to her identity.

"I would encourage these two, if they see this appeal to come forward as it will only be a matter of time before we come for you.

"With the festive party season in full swing I also want to remind people that just a single punch can prove fatal, as was demonstrated with the tragic death of Wesley Clutterbuck in Rochdale in June this year.

"There is a temptation to drink more than usual at this time of the year and if are going out please drink responsibly. You do not want to end up ruining your life by ending someone else's in a moment of madness."

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