Appeal for help to trace machete gang

POLICE have stepped up their hunt for three hoodies after a 46-year-old man was slashed with a machete on a Failsworth canal towpath.

The incident happened on Monday, April 11, between 9.15pm and 9.30pm as the victim walked along the canal path near to George Street.

Three men walked up behind him, and as he turned to see who they were he was slashed on the knee with a 12-n machete, causing a 5in cut to the muscle in his leg.

His attackers ran off as he fell to the ground.

The injured man was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery for his wounds.

Detectives hunting the men responsible have made a further appeal for help in finding them, saying it was an indiscriminate attack which could have had far worse consequences.

The men they are looking for were all white and wore hooded tops with the hoods up.

One was aged 28 to 32, 5ft 7in tall and of slim build. He wore a dark blue long-sleeved hooded top, a black and white checked bandana over his face and was carrying a 12in machete.

The second was in his early 20s, 6ft tall and chubby. He wore a dark hooded top and three-quarter-length shorts and his face was covered.

The third man was in his late 20s to early 30s, and wore a dark hooded top and had his face covered.

Det-Con Joe Burke, from Oldham CID, said: “The consequences of this indiscriminate attack could have been far worse and we are determined to find those responsible and ensure they answer for this.”

Anyone with information should call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.

If you saw or remember something that might help us catch them, please contact us.

“We must stress that attacks like this are very rare but some simple things to help people stay safe include: arrange lifts, taxis or take public transport where possible, walk in groups where possible and keep to busy well-lit areas.”