Car attack man slams ‘too slow’ police

A TERRIFIED man who was dragged for 30 yards by yobs in a car has slammed police response times.

Peter Day (36), of Derwent Drive, Shaw, was walking along Grains Road towards his girl friend’s home in Moorside just before 1am on Sunday when a dark-coloured car pulled up alongside him and the occupants beckoned him over.

Thinking they wanted directions, Mr Day went over and leant on the front passenger window.

But he was grabbed by both arms by the front passenger as the car sped of dragging Mr Day alongside it.

Mr Day said: “I was just trying to keep on my feet and not go under the wheels but couldn’t keep up with the car.

“I was begging them to stop but they were all laughing.

“It carried on for about 10 or 15 seconds and I suppose they couldn’t hold on to me anymore. The next thing I knew, I was on the road.”

Mr Day, who was left stunned and distressed in the middle of the road, called the police and was told to stay at the scene and a police officer would attend.

After a fruitless 15-minute wait, Mr Day called back.

He was told again to remain at the scene but after no one showed up, he called his girl friend and went to her house.

The incident left Mr Day with a black eye, a torn knee ligament and injuries to his forearms. He was treated for his injuries at hospital later that day.

Mr Day said: “I’m really annoyed.

“My sister called the police again on Monday because I still hadn’t been visited and was told it could take up to six days for someone to come round.

“It was only when she said she’d contact the newspapers that two police officers came to see me.

“This is a serious assault and the people in the car might do it again if they think they’ve got away with it.”

Chief Insp Rob Tinsley, based in Oldham, said: “We are aware of a complaint.

“A message was left for the victim following the incident to arrange a meeting.

“However, I accept that he should have been visited by police officers sooner than he was.

“The day after the incident an officer called the victim and apologised to him for this delay.
“He has since seen officers and given his statement, and the investigation into this attack is underway.

“We always strive to provide people with the best service we can.

“That this didn’t happen in this case is disappointing.”

Anyone with information or who saw the car acting suspiciously in the area should call Oldham police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.