Witness plea over park attack

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 23-year-old soldier claimed he was assaulted in Chadderton Hall Park.

Matthew Chapman says he was jogging in the park at 11.10pm on Monday when he was struck by an object or a fist, throttled and dragged into the woods. Police enquiries continue.
A medical examination suggests he was not stabbed or strangled with a rope.
Det-Insp Lewis Hughes said: “We have launched a full investigation to establish what has happened and would ask anyone who may have been in the park at the time of the incident to call us.

“Unfortunately the victim could not get a description of the offenders and at this stage, it is unclear why he was attacked.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.