Man attacked on his way to work

A 37-year-old man was riding his bike to work along Fleece Street, Rochdale when he was assaulted and racially abused.

He was chased by a man who threatened to kill him and shouted racist comments. The attacker repeated these comments and caught up with the man, grabbed the back of his bike, lifted it up and tipped it over which caused the man to fall on the floor.

The victim got up and remonstrated with the offender who then punched him in the head and walked away.

The incident occurred at about 5.00am on Sunday 8 February 2015,

The offender is described as white, early 20s, of stocky build, about 5ft 11in tall with dark hair and was wearing a dark t-shirt.

Police Constable David Harrison from Rochdale division, said: "This was a totally unprovoked attack on a man who was on his way to work. He was followed by his attacker who dragged him off his bike and racially abused him.

"He then subjected him to a violent assault leaving the victim in shock as to what had happened.

"The fact this man's actions appear to be motivated by race mean this is an even worse incident.

"If you recognise the man from the description or have any details about the assault, please get in touch."

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