A boy suspected of fly-kicking a pensioner into the River Mersey has been arrested by police.
The 74-year-old victim was sent flying head first into the water after being kicked from behind during the sickening incident which was filmed on Sunday, April 25.
Disturbing footage, which the ECHO has chosen not to publish, shows a man dressed in a black gilet kicking the pensioner with force as he stands on the bank of the Mersey.
Cheshire Police is continuing to appeal for people to come forward with information.
But today police confirmed a teenage suspect has now been arrested.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assault and possession with intent to supply cannabis. He is currently in police custody.
"Enquiries are ongoing to identify the remaining boy. If anyone has any information please contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 973152."
Following the incident, ECHO readers have come out in force to condemn the actions of the youths involved calling them an “absolute disgrace”.
The man who was left "freezing cold" walked home and raised the alarm to his family who then reported it police.
Were you the woman who helped the man at the scene? Get in touch at ian.croll@reachplc.com
The incident happened on Sunday between 2.30pm and 3pm on Wharf Street, near to the Riverside Retail Park.
Readers took to the ECHO’s Facebook Page to express their disgust at the assault, which left the man with a cut to the face due to banging his head as he fell into the water.
Adele Kennedy-dee commented: “OMG this has just turned my stomach, it’s absolutely disgusting what they have done. I hope they get caught and hope the man is ok xxx”
Jeanette Burns said: “Horrendous, hope they catch the vermin, hope the elderly man makes a swift recovery, not safe for anywhere lately.”
Julie Murphy added: “Absolute disgrace, that poor man, I hope he’s ok, he probably worked all his life to feed these feral rats with his taxes.”
Cathay Unsworth said: “OMG, they could have killed the poor man, he must have been absolutely terrified. I really hope they catch the culprits and deal with them suitably.”
It is understood that two women who helped the man out of the water have come forward to help police with their enquiries.
Cheshire Police is appealing to both witnesses to come forward and enquiries are ongoing to find those responsible.
Sergeant Mark Spaven, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “This was a shocking and upsetting incident which has understandably left the gentleman shaken.
“He returned home freezing cold and had sustained a cut to his face due to banging his head as he fell into the water."
