Mob in a savage attack on jogger

COLLEGE students in sailing dinghies rescued a jogger savagely attacked by a mob at a beauty spot.

The man, in his early forties, was running at Dovestone reservoir, Greenfield, when he was set upon by a gang of youths.

They threw punches and kicks at the shocked man and pushed him into the reservoir. Then the gang, up to 10-strong, threw stones and rocks at him as he tried to escape.

A student who pulled the injured man into his 10ft dinghy, said: “Four of us were out in three dinghies about 200 metres from the shore when we saw the gang attack a man who had been jogging round the edge of the reservoir.

“They began hitting him and he retreated to the water’s edge and then they pushed him into the reservoir.

“I jumped into the water to help him get on board my dinghy. The man was shaking and bleeding. There was blood on the boat. We knew we had to get help.”

The students, all aged 17 from Saddleworth and Mossley, turned their craft round and made a frantic 600 metre sail to Dovestone Sailing Club headquarters.

Another one of the group added: “We had left our mobiles on dry land for safety’s sake. But luckily, my parents were at the club. My father called police and emergency services.

“The man, who we believe comes from Dukinfield, was very shaken and upset,” he added.

The boy’s father, said: “It was quick thinking by the sailing party that really saved the day. The injured man was bleeding, very shocked by his injuries and in fear for his life.”

And he praised police for their rapid response to the incident. “They were on the scene in minutes,” he said. “They did a brilliant job.”

Insp Danny Milovanovic, officer in charge of the Saddleworth and Lees area, said two youths were bailed pending further inquiries following the attack.

He said: “The man was simply out jogging. It was a terrible attack and could have had very serious consequences, particularly as they continued to throw rocks at him while he was in the water.”

Meanwhile, the 200-strong Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association will hold a meeting in October with the police and members of Oldham Council’s Street Scene team to discuss growing concerns about anti-social behaviour at Dovestone and Greenfield bridal paths.

Mike Rooke, GGRA secretary, said today: “It is a shocking to hear of this attack. Dovestone is becoming a tinderbox for problems – particularly at weekends.”

Last week, the RSPB outlined ambitious consultation plans, working with locals and government agencies, to turn Dovestone into the region’s great escape and encourage tourism and outdoor activities.