Car thieves in iron bar attack

Raiders followed driver

MASKED raiders attacked a 57-year-old man with an iron bar then stole his car in a vicious attack.

The man had just parked up at the Hey Farm Estate, Mossley, when the thugs pounced at 1.45am on Tuesday.

He was getting out of his white Vauxhall Astra when the men confronted him and demanded he hand over his keys.

It’s believed the duo had followed him in another car as he was driving home.

The victim was struck on the arm with a metal bar by one of the thugs, who told his accomplice to stab the man, prompting him to hand over the keys.

One of the thieves then drove off in the Astra while the other escaped in the car they were originally driving.

It is not known if there was a third person in the waiting car.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Both raiders are white. One is about 5ft 10in tall and was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

The other was slightly taller. He also wore dark clothing with a big hood pulled over his face.

He was said to have a longish face and was unshaven.

Det Con Karl Riley, of Tameside CID, said: “These men clearly followed the victim with the sole intention of robbing him of his car, going so far as to attack him with a weapon to get what they wanted.

“It is important we find these men before they strike again, so I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.

“While this man could not have done anything to stop this, I would ask that people follow a few simple safety tips to lessen the risk of falling victim to car jackers.

“The majority of car thefts happen when people leave the keys in the ignition or leave their windows rolled down or unlocked, so please, make sure your car is secure.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tameside CID on 0161-856 9262 Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.