Catch the cowards
Reporter: by DAWN ECKERSLEY
Date published: 28 January 2009
SEQUENCE of events . . . CCTV images capture the assault (see succeeding images)
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Pair of yobs beat up man with learning difficulties
A PAIR of thugs viciously battered a man with learning difficulties for his glasses, bus pass and a few coins.
The 34-year-old victim was walking along the Bow Street Passage, between Union Street and Yorkshire Street, when he was set upon by his attackers.
The pair rained blows on their victim’s head, face and body before forcing him to the floor.
A passer-by tried to stop the attack but his pleas were ignored and the thugs continued their relentless assault. With their victim defenceless on the floor, one of the thugs continued to kick him in the head while the other rifled through his pockets.
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Their pitiful haul included a pair of glasses, a bus pass and a handful of coins.
The pair then left the man in agony on the floor before walking towards Union Street.
The attackers are both described as white, in their 20s and around 6ft tall. One was wearing a white tracksuit top. The other was wore a black top with a white motif. One wore gloves.
Police today released CCTV footage of the incident which happened at 3am on Saturday, December 20.
Detective Constable Simon Hurdley, of Oldham CID, said: “This was a nasty attack on a man who was simply walking down the street.
“I believe the robbers were lying in wait for whoever they saw as an easy target and when they spotted this vulnerable man, they pounced.
“I’d urge people to look at that CCTV. If you know who these offenders are, call us.
“I would also appeal to the man who tried to intervene to contact us, as he may have important information.”
Anyone with any information should call Oldham CID on 0161-856-8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
