A man with learning difficulties was left with a fractured skull and bleed on the brain after being brutally attacked and robbed in Hyde, whilst another was also left needing dental treatment following a separate attack.
The first incident occurred after 11.30pm on Sunday May 24, when a 40-year-old man was attacked from behind by a group of 4-6 men after getting off a bus at Market Street.
The victim was hit on the head with an unknown implement causing him to fall to the floor where the group proceeded to kick and punch him before grabbing his rucksack, containing an iPod, and running off along Tower Street and then left towards Dowson Road.
The man did not initially report the incident to police and went home, but several days later his family discovered him and took him to hospital where he is being treated for a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain.
Detective Constable Claire Titterington said: “We have managed to get an initial account from the victim’s family, however he remains in hospital.
“We are now reviewing CCTV from the bus and in Hyde but would ask if anyone was on that bus or in the area at the time that they contact us immediately.”
In a separate incident, another man with learning difficulties was also attacked and robbed in Hyde at around 3.15am on Saturday May 30.
The 21-year-old had been out drinking in the town centre with friends and was walking home on Manchester Road.
As he walked near to the Aldi store, a group of people approached him and he was attacked, before they left with his mobile phone.
Detective Constable Marc Barker said: “This is the second time a person with learning difficulties has been the victim of such an assault but at the moment, we cannot link the two incidents.
“Unfortunately we do not have any descriptions of the offenders but we are eager to track down any witnesses who saw what happened.
“The victim suffered injuries to his nose and mouth and it is likely he will require dental treatment in the future. If you were walking or driving on Manchester Road at the time of the attack, please call us.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 9389 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
