Detectives appeal for more information after an elderly man was found with serious injuries

We were called to reports of a violent robberY near Lower Green Lane and Higher Green Lane on the Bridgewater Canal in Leigh just before 4.30pm on the 8 June 2024.

Officers attending found an elderly man in his late 70s with serious injuries. He was taken into hospital. 

Following extensive CCTV enquiries, detectives believe that a man dressed in all black clothing pulled in front of the victim on his own bike stopping the victim who was riding his bike at the time. The man tried to pull the victim’s bike away from him. After the victim held onto his bike, he was assaulted and suffered a number of blows to the head with a bike chain before getting pushed into the canal. The victim’s bike was taken from him.

Detective Sergeant Victoria Smith, of GMP’s Wigan district, said: “I believe that the victim’s helmet saved his life that day and took the brunt of the hits to his head.

“It must have been so terrifying for the victim, who felt completely defenceless. After being pushed into the canal, the victim used all the strength he had to climb out of the canal whilst suffering from his injuries.

“The incident happened in broad daylight on what is usually a very busy route used by cyclists, joggers and dog walkers so we are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything or who has any information to come forwards to us.

“After speaking to the victim, we think that the suspect was wearing a balaclava that had a skull on the face, if you saw anything matching this description on 8 June 2024. Please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 2088 of 8/6/24

Reports can also be made anonymously, through the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.