POLICE are encouraging members of the public to come forward after an elderly man was pushed into the River Mersey at Warrington by youths who ran off laughing.
The incident took place between 2.30pm and 3pm on Sunday 25 April while the 74-year-old was sat on a bank of the River Mersey on Wharf Street near Riverside Retail Park.
Two or three male youths are believed to have pushed him from behind causing him to fall into the water.
They all then ran away from him laughing.
Two unknown women who were passing by came to his aid and pulled him out of the water.
He walked home and informed his family who reported the assault to the police.
Enquiries are now ongoing to find those responsible and to appeal to the two witnesses who helped the victim to come forward.
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.
“We are determined to find those responsible and I am urging anyone who has any information or believes they know who did this to come forward.
“I also want to appeal to the two women who thankfully came to his rescue to please get in touch with us as you could have information which could help our investigation.”
If you can assist police with their enquiries please contact 101 quoting IML 973152 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report a crime online.
