Thieves batter owner of pickup

AMAN was viciously attacked by three thieves as he tried to stop them stealing his pickup truck.

The 34-year-old was set upon and left with a fractured skull and broken fingers. Detectives in Rochdale have launched a major investigation.

The victim, who hasn’t been named, was taken to hospital for treatment and police described his injuries as ‘serious.’

The man approached the three men as they were trying to break into his red Toyota Hilux near to Albion Road in Rochdale at around 6.25pm last Wednesday.

He was left lying injured on the road and the thugs drove away in the vehicle.

“Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital with several injuries, including a fractured skull and broken fingers,” said a GMP spokesman.

The pickup truck was later recovered near to Albert Royds Street in Rochdale. Police said enquiries were ongoing.

Detective Inspector Karl Ward issued an appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

“A man was left with serious head injuries at the hands of these attackers and we’re working hard to find those responsible,” he said.

Police also want to speak to the occupants of a black BMW One Series spotted crossing the Halifax Road roundabout towards Smithy Bridge, near the junction with Albert Royds Street, at around the same time.

Det Insp Ward added: “I would urge anyone who witnessed this attack, or anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, to get in touch as soon as possible so that we can piece together the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“We are keen to speak to those who were driving in a black BMW One Series around the time of the incident and were seen crossing the roundabout at Halifax Road towards Smithy Bridge at around 6.25pm.

“Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8441 quoting incident number 1780 06/02/19.”

Information can also be passed to police anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.