POLICE are urging witnesses to come forward following an attempted robbery on a 25-year-old cyclist who was punched in the face as he rode along Long Lane, Warrington.
The incident took place at around midnight on Sunday (July 22) when the 25-year-old local man was riding his bicycle along Long Lane towards Winwick Road when he was accosted by two men.
One of the offenders, who were also riding bicycles, demanded that the victim hand over his bag and punched him in the face when he refused.
The victim managed to ride into the back of the offender’s bike and knock him off it before fleeing at speed.
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or thinks they may know who the offenders are to get in touch.
Detective Sergeant Alison Howarth said: “This was a frightening incident for the victim that has left him extremely shaken up.
“We would like to reassure Warrington residents that this incident does not appear to be part of any pattern of offending and that we are determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
The man who assaulted the victim is described as white, in his late teens or early 20s, of slim build and around 5’ 7” tall. He was clean shaven and was riding a dark-coloured bike and wearing a dark hooked jacket with the hood up, dark jogging bottoms and black trainers.
The other man was the same height but was of slightly bigger build. He was riding a black mountain bike and wearing a light grey hooded top with the hood up and black tracksuit bottoms.
DS Howarth said: “If you witnessed the incident, saw anything suspicious in the area around that time or recognise the descriptions of the offenders and think you may know who they are please get in touch.
“We are particularly keen to hear from people who were in two cars, which were captured on CCTV, in the area around the time of the incident. One was at the junction of Fisher Avenue and Long Lane and the other was driving down Long Lane from Winwick Road. They may have seen what happened and have crucial information that could help with our investigation.”
Anyone with information about the incident should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 131799, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
