Man assaulted 15-year-old boy

A man assaulted a 15-year-old boy and attempted to rob him as he was walking down Whitworth Road towards Rochdale town centre.

The victim was approached by the man asking him the time at around 2.00pm on Saturday 7 March 2015.

The young lad obliged and took out his mobile phone to check the time before placing it back in his pocket, at which point the offender asked him what he would do if he took the phone from him. Confused, the boy asked the man what he meant by the remark before the offender then punched him numerous times in the face.

Just as the boy was starting to think his attacker would continue the assault unless he handed over his phone, a passer-by in a black Audi A3 pulled over and disturbed the offender who then ran off in the direction of Bentley Street.

The offender is described as 35-40–year-old white man with a slightly tanned complexion, approximately 5ft 10in tall and of medium build with short brown hair and stubble. He was wearing a grey jumper with dark jeans that were either grey or black.

Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for the driver of the black Audi A3 and any other witnesses to come forward.

PC David Harrison said: “This incident has left the young victim understandably shook up and we are keen to speak to the driver of the car that pulled up and disturbed the offender.

“Their intervention helped to prevent this incident from escalating further and we believe they may be able to assist with our enquiries.

“We would also like to speak to anyone else who may have any information.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.