A 13-year-old boy was attacked by a stranger as he pushed a shopping trolley down a road in Poynton .
Police say the teenager had been walking with two other children along Chester Road with their shopping when one of them was grabbed by a man on a bike.
The stranger then shoved the trolley into the victim with such force he ended up in hospital with a serious hand injury.
According to police, the assault happened between 8.30pm and 8.50pm on Sunday, April 28.
The man - who was riding a read bicycle - is described as white, of slim building, aged approximately 25 to 30 years old and around 6’ tall.
He was wearing a blue helmet and grey baggy jeans and was carrying a red Manchester United bag.
An investigation has been launched, and officers are urging anyone who was in the area and saw what happened, or anything else that may aid the investigation, to get in touch.
They also want to speak to anyone who believes they may know who the man is or have CCTV or dashcam footage of him.
PC Paul Jacklin, of Cheshire police , said: "This was a frightening incident that understandably left the children extremely shaken up.
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"It has also left one of them with a serious hand injury that required hospital treatment.
"I would like to reassure residents that this is believed to have been an isolated incident and we are doing everything we can to find out who the man is and make him face the consequences of his actions.
"As part of our investigation we are appealing for anyone who was in the Chester Road area of Poynton and witnessed the incident, or believes they saw the man, to come forward.
"The same goes for anyone who recognises the description of the man and thinks they may know who he is.
"We also want to hear from anyone who believes they may have CCTV or dashcam footage of him.
"We particularly want to speak to the people in vehicles who stopped to assist the children.
"I would also like to appeal directly to the man to get in touch."
Anyone with information or CCTV footage that may help the ongoing investigation is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 387073, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Dashcam footage can be submitted online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage .
