A grandfather pushed into a canal while fishing says he is “lucky to be alive” after his ordeal.
Wayne Cairns was at the Shropshire Union Canal in Chester with his wife Ann when a man started swimming near where he had cast his rod.
Concerned for his welfare, the 64-year-old suggested the lad move to the other side of the canal so he did not get caught in his line.
Instead the man climbed out of the water and pushed Mr Cairns in before fleeing the scene.
He was eventually able to scramble to safety, but only thanks to two passers-by.
Mr Cairns, who has three grandchildren, told Manchester Evening News: “I could have lost my life. It was terrifying.
“We were fishing by Telford's Warehouse when this lad jumped in and starting swimming where we were fishing.
“I said 'why don't you go to that side of the canal as we are fishing'.
"After he got out of the water he came over to me, put his hands up and pushed me straight in.
"I have trouble with my lungs and heart and for all he knew I might not have been able to swim. I wouldn't have been able to get out by myself if some blokes passing by hadn't been there.
"I was wearing a jumper which became really heavy in the water.
"We've been going fishing for around 30 years and this has put us off going out fishing now. “We haven't been sleeping at night either. What if this happens again to someone else?"
A Cheshire Police spokesperson told CheshireLive: "At 7.40pm on Wednesday, April 26 police were called to reports of an incident on banks of the Shropshire Union Canal near to Telford's Warehouse.
"The caller reported that a 64-year-old man had been involved in a verbal altercation with an unknown man and woman. During the incident the man pushed the victim into the canal.
"Officers attended the scene and spoke to the victim. They also conducted a search of the area and reviewed CCTV footage, but were unable to locate the offenders.
"Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and as part of their investigation officer are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, the same goes for anyone who recognises the man and woman in the video footage."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire police on 101, or at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML 1533530.
