A pensioner was kicked in the face during a brutal attack after challenging shoplifters.
The 78-year-old man was thrown to the ground during the sickening assault.
He was shopping in the Boots store on Blackburn Street in Radcliffe, Bury, when he spotted a man and a woman trying to shoplift at around 9.30am on March 21.
The thugs turned on the man after he tried to stop them stealing.
He was left with serious facial injuries, including cuts and bruises on his nose, two black eyes and swelling to his face.
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The man needed hospital treatment and was left 'incredibly shaken' by the incident.
Detectives have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the attack.
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Chief Inspector Phil Spurgeon, of GMP’s Bury district, said: “This was a brutal attack on an honest member of the public who was only trying to do what he believed was the right thing.
"We’re doing everything we can to trace those responsible, and now I’m appealing for the public’s help.
"I appreciate the image is not the best quality, but if you recognise this man or think you have any information about this incident then please get in touch with police as soon as possible.”
The man was white, around 6ft 2 nd of slim build. He was wearing a black coat, dark trousers and dark trainers.
The woman was white, around 5ft 2 and of slim build. She was wearing a khaki green coat, pink and purple trainers and spoke with a Manchester accent.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8172, quoting incident number 0557 of March 21. Reports can also be made via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
