A group of teenagers threatened two people with a knife before hurling a brick at the face of one of their victims. Greater Manchester Police is searching for three boys aged around 15 and 16 following the attack in Rochdale.
Following initial enquiries, GMP says the pair were targeted while walking out of Rochdale town centre, just hours after the new year began. Officers were called to reports of an assault at around 5.05am on January 1.
Police believe the pair were approached from behind by the group, at the junction with School Lane. One of the suspects threatened both victims with a knife while another kicked one of them to the face.
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As both victims fought back, one of the suspects threw a brick - causing one to suffer a serious head injury - before fleeing on foot back towards the town centre. The trio were seen prior to the attack on the steps outside St Chad’s Parish Church.
GMP says the group followed their victims a short distance onto Drake Street before attacking them. The trio were all wearing black track suits and bubble jackets.
Detective Constable Martin James, of GMP's Rochdale district, said: "We are looking to speak with anyone who may have been approached by or spoken with the three males who were waiting near to St Chad’s Parish Church in the early hours of New Years Day. It would seem the group were looking for what they believed to be vulnerable targets whom they could attack.
"However, on this occasion it would seem the quick thinking of both victims prevented a more serious incident unfolding, forcing the attackers to flee. If you have any information in regard to this incident or have any CCTV or dashcam footage around the St Chad’s Parish Church and Drake Street outside the Citizens Advice Bureau between 4:45am - 5:05am, contact GMP.
"You can report information in regard to this incident please call 101, report on our website www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 1134 of 01/01/2023. Alternatively, you can report information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
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