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On Sunday 1st January 2023 at around 5:05am, officers were called to reports of an assault on Drake Street in Rochdale.
Initial enquires suggest the pair were walking out of Rochdale town centre, but upon reaching the junction of School Lane and Drake Street, were approached from behind by three males.
One of the male suspects threatened both victims with a knife while another suspect kicked one of the victims to the face. As both victims fought back, one of the suspects threw a brick, hitting one of the victim’s in the face causing a relatively serious head injury, before fleeing on foot back towards the town centre.
The three male suspects were seen prior to the attack outside St Chad’s Parish Church on the steps and have followed the victims a short distance onto Drake Street before attacking them.
The three suspects were male aged between 15-16 years of age, all wearing black track suits and bubble jackets.
Detective Constable Martin James of GMP's Rochdale district said: "We are looking to speak with anyone who may have been approached by or spoken with the three males who were waiting near to St Chad’s Parish Church in the early hours of New Years Day.
"It would seem the group were looking for what they believed to be vulnerable targets whom they could attack. However, on this occasion it would seem the quick thinking of both victims prevented a more serious incident unfolding, forcing the attackers to flee.
"If you have any information in regard to this incident or have any CCTV or dashcam footage around the St Chad’s Parish Church and Drake Street outside the Citizens Advice Bureau between 4:45am – 5:05am, contact GMP.
"You can report information in regard to this incident please call 101, report on our website www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 1134 of 01/01/2023.
"Alternatively, you can report information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."