A Rochdale teen was left ‘shaken’ after being punched several times in the face during an attempted phone robbery.
The 15-year-old boy was walking down Whitworth Road towards Rochdale town centre at around 2pm on Saturday March 7, when he was approached by a man who asked him for the time.
The boy proceeded to check his phone and placed it back in his pocket, before the offender asked him what he would do if he took the phone from him.
Confused by the question, the victim asked what his attacker meant before he was punched repeatedly in the face.
The seemingly unprovoked attack ended when a good Samaritan in a black Audi A3 pulled over and disturbed the offender, who then fled in the direction of Bentley Street.
PC David Harrison said: “This incident has left the young victim understandably shook up and we are keen to speak to the driver of the car that pulled up and disturbed the offender.
“Their intervention helped to prevent this incident from escalating further and we believe they may be able to assist with our enquiries.
“We would also like to speak to anyone else who may have any information.”
The attacker is described as a 35-40–year-old white man with a slightly tanned complexion, around 5ft 10in tall, of medium build with short brown hair and stubble.
It is believed that the offender was wearing a grey jumper with dark jeans that were either grey or black.
Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for the selfless driver of the black Audi A3 and any other witnesses to come forward.
Anybody with information should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
