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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ashlie Blakey

Thugs ambush man on canal footpath near Tesco and slash him in head with machete

A man was slashed in the head with a machete in a terrifying knifepoint robbery in Failsworth.

The 44-year-old victim was attacked on the canal footpath off Ridgefield Street, near Tesco, at around 6pm on October 20, police said. Thugs demanded he hand over his unique electric bike, which they then stole from him.

He was cut across the head with a 'sharp-style machete', police added, leaving him with a 'significant injury'. As part of an appeal issued today (November 4), officers have released CCTV pictures of two men they want to speak to about the attack.

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The 'distinctive' men were captured on camera outside Tesco. Police also released a picture of the victim's electric bike and a photo of his head injury.

Anyone who recognises the two males in the CCTV image are being urged to get in touch. Detective Sergeant Matt Adshead of the Oldham CID said: "The victim thankfully did not suffer life changing injuries from this terrifying ordeal where he was held at knifepoint for his property before having a blow to the head.

The man was slashed in the head with a machete (GMP)

"After our initial investigation we are now asking the for the help of the local community again to see if witnessed anything at the time of the incident or recognise the two people we would like to speak to in connection with the incident."

In a statement, GMP said: "On Thursday 20 October at around 6pm, Greater Manchester Police were called to a report of a knifepoint robbery on Ridgefield Street, Failsworth on the canal footpath near to the main Tesco. The victim, a 44-year-old man, had a unique electric bike stolen which is pictured and as a result suffered injuries to the head with a sharp style machete causing significant injury.

The victim's electric bike was stolen (GMP)

"Detectives are now appealing for witnesses and would like to speak to the two distinctive men also pictured in connection with this incident."

Any information can be passed to the Neighbourhood Crime Team at Oldham Police Station on 0161 856 4521 quoting incident 2642 of 20/10/2022. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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