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Teen recovers after brutal assault

27/ 2/2008

A TEENAGER had to have a metal plate put in his face following a brutal assault in Ashton.

The attack happened at about 2.30am on Friday 15 February as the victim, a 19-year-old man, was walking along Hill Street, Ashton-under-Lyne.

The victim stopped on Cavendish Street near to Asda to have a cigarette but realised he did not have a lighter. He was then approached by a man on a bicycle who gave the victim a light and they shared a cigarette.

However, as the victim walked off, the offender demanded he handover his mobile phone. When the victim refused, he was repeatedly punched in the head and the offender then cycled off in the direction of Portland Basin, having stolen the phone and other items of personal property.

The victim was taken to Tameside General Hospital where he was treated for a fractured cheekbone and has since had a metal plate put in.

The offender is described as white, about 21-years-old, 6ft tall and of medium to stocky build. He was said to have black crew cut hair, a long face with a spotty complexion. He was wearing a black and white tracksuit, black leather gloves and was riding a black BMX bike.

Detective Constable Wayne Redford, of the Volume Crime Unit at Tameside Police Station, said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked assault which has left with the victim with a serious facial injury.

"It is a sad state of affairs when someone is willing to attack an innocent young man in such a sustained and vicious way for the sake of a mobile phone. It is vital we catch the offender and I would urge anyone with information, or anyone who witnessed the attack, to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 9256 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.