Assault sparks witness appeal

A 48-YEAR-OLD man suffered a fractured cheek and eye socket after a brutal and unprovoked assault in Oldham.

The attack happened on St John Street in Lees after the victim had been out in the Milan Bar, Elliott Street, drinking with friends and left to walk home alone.

He was approached from behind by his attacker, who punched him in the eye and knocked him to the floor.

While on the ground, he was punched twice on the nose by the offender, who was shouting and swearing. The thug then ran off along St John Street.

The man police want to speak to following the attack, at around 11.45pm on April 5, is described as white, about 5ft 10in tall, of a medium to stocky build and wore a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

The victim sustained a fractured lower left cheek and left eye socket and needed hospital treatment.

Police in Oldham are now appealing for witnesses.

Det Con Vicki Tait, of Oldham CID, said: “This was a shocking and completely unprovoked assault on a man who was walking home, minding his own business, when he was jumped from behind and beaten.

“He suffered two fractures after the assault and could easily have had more severe injuries if this man had not stopped.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw this assault, or perhaps saw the offender acting suspiciously or drunkenly in the area at about the time of the incident to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.