Cyclist in critical condition after 'targeted' attack in Middleton - did you see anything?

Detectives in Rochdale are appealing for information after a man was left critically injured after being attacked with a weapon and being involved in a collision in the Middleton area earlier this morning.

We were called shortly before 6.50am today (Friday 10 December) to a report of a fail-to-stop collision on Bowness Road between a blue Toyota Yaris and a cyclist.

The Toyota then drove off from the scene leaving the cyclist - a man in his 30s - seriously injured and requiring hospital - where he remains in a critical condition.

Officers attended and found that the victim had also suffered facial injuries consistent with being attacked with a weapon.

It is unknown at this stage when the victim may have suffered these particular injuries, but early enquiries suggest this was a targeted attack and there isn’t a wider threat to the public.

We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or a blue Toyota Yaris (GK52 EZT) travelling subsequently this morning on the M60 and southbound on the M6 to get in touch.

If you were in the area this morning, please check Dash Cam and doorbell footage and let us know if you see anything suspicious.

Detective Inspector Nicola Hopkinson, of GMP Rochdale's CID, said: "A young man is currently fighting for his life in hospital after - what we believe to be - a targeted attack earlier this morning.

"It is unknown at this time what the motive for this attack was - and we are working to establish this - nor whether the victim was attacked before or after this collision but what we do know is that the driver of a blue Toyota Yaris in the area failed to remain at the scene and we are keen to know who they are.

"We don’t believe there is a wider threat to the public; however, if you were driving in Middleton, the M60 or the M6 southbound this morning, or live in the area, then please check dash cam and doorbell footage and contact police with any information as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8719 quoting incident 455 of 10/12/2021.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.