Police release CCTV footage of Freehold Metrolink stop attack

Footage of the Freehold Metrolink stop attack has been released

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Officers investigating an attempted murder at the Freehold Metrolink stop in Chadderton have released CCTV footage of the moment the victim was brutally attacked.

At 9.36 pm on Thursday, March 8, a man was getting off a tram at the Freehold stop on Block Lane when a group of passengers from the same tram began hitting him as he attempted to leave the platform.

The 49-year-old was then subjected to a sustained, unprovoked attack after being knocked unconscious.

The attackers – who are all described as Asian teenage boys aged between 15 and 18 - repeatedly kicked and stamped on the victims head as he lay in a pool of blood unable to defend himself on the ground.

Fortunately a tram travelling in the opposite direction saw the ongoing assault and the driver stopped to intervene. The driver was supported by passengers from the tram who forced the doors and ran to the victim’s aid. It was only as a result of these actions that the attackers stopped their assault and ran from the scene.

Officers have released CCTV (below) in the hope someone comes forward with information about the incident.

Detective Sergeant John Coleman, from GMP’s Oldham borough, said: “Not only did these men target an innocent man for no apparent reason, they subjected him to a sustained and brutal attack and the footage is absolutely shocking.

“How anyone could kick a defenceless man in the head as he lay unconscious is almost unbelievable but for them to return on three separate occasions to continue their assault and then leave him bleeding on the platform is beyond comprehension.

“The fact the victim not only survived but is now on the road to recovery is pretty incredible.

“We know a tram stopped on the opposite side of the tracks at the time of the attack and I would urge anyone who has any video footage to please send it in to us as a matter of urgency. It could be vital to finding the people responsible.

“Alternatively, anyone who thinks they know who did this, or has any information, please get in touch. This could have been your father, son or brother and we need to find these men immediately.”

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “This was a sickening and sustained attack that has left a man seriously injured.

“We know there’s been a spike in the number of incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour in the Oldham area recently. It is something we are working with partners to try and tackle but the extent of this assault and level of force used was indiscriminate and wanton.

“Working under the TravelSafe Partnership the number of patrols in the area has been increased significantly and CCTV of the incident has been handed over to police to assist their investigation.

"I’d encourage anyone with information about this incident or those responsible to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8267 quoting reference number 2239 of 08/03/18 or the independent charity Crime stoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.