A fearless dad, who was struck with a crowbar after he confronted two suspected burglars in Wigan, has been left with a broken arm and a cut to the head.
The burglary happened between 11am and 4pm on Wednesday May 27, when two assailants broke into a house on Withington Lane, Aspull and stole the keys to a Fiat Punto as well as other personal items.
Two days later, the female victim of the burglary noticed two men acting suspiciously on Withington Lane at around 9pm.
Fearing they may have returned to the area to take her car, a call for help was made to her dad by her husband.
Once the victim’s 50-year-old dad arrived, he followed both of the offenders into an alleyway leading to the playing fields off Cale Lane where he challenged them.
Detective Constable Kevin Telford said: “The victim of the burglary had been initially upset about the crime and was scared those responsible would come back to take her car.
“When she saw the two men, she naturally feared for her safety and called her dad.
One of his attackers who brandished a crowbar stuck the dad on the head as he held out his arm for protection before the offenders fled from the scene.
The brave dad was left with a cut to the head and a broken arm.
The man with the crowbar is described as being white, in his mid to late 30s, of heavy build, 6ft tall, had short dark hair, dark brown eyes and stubble.
It is thought that he was wearing a navy bomber style waterproof jacket and dark navy jogging bottoms.
Wigan police are now advising residents to avoid approaching people who maybe acting suspiciously in the area.
DC Telford said: “Firstly, I would appeal to anyone who saw these two men in the Withington Lane area to come forward.
“Secondly, I would ask members of the public to consider their personal safety and not directly confront people.
“If you believe someone is acting suspiciously, phone the police straight away.”
The second offender is described as white, in his mid to late 30s, 6ft tall, of medium build, had light brown hair and wore a light coloured jacket which had different coloured patches on it.
Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
