An unprovoked racial attack in a Whalley Range Co-op which left a man unconscious was so fierce it prompted remorse from one of the gang who put the stricken victim in the recovery position.
Images have now been released of the three men who walked into the store on Withington Road at 12.40pm on Sunday June 2, just seconds before their victim.
The 40-year-old began shopping in the wines and spirit section where one of the men used a ‘derogatory’ word and said he thought he was someone he knew.
At this point the third man apologised on the gang’s behalf, but the second man went further – challenging the victim before punching him in the face, which knocked him unconscious.
Two of the men ran off while the apologetic man – who was mixed race – put the victim in the recovery position.
Police Constable Lee Rowbottom based at West Didsbury Police Station, said: “The victim hit the floor with such force that he was knocked unconscious and suffered cuts to his nose and lips.
“Thankfully, he is recovering well.
“One of the men in the group was clearly ashamed by what the group had done and apologised and put him in the recovery position so the victim would not choke.”
The first man, who originally walked up to the victim, is described as white, in his late 30s or early 40s, of stocky build, had short dark hair, wore a grey jacket, white t-shirt and jeans.
The second man, who punched the victim, is described as being white, in his 30s or 40s, of large build, had a bald head and wearing a navy blue t-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms.
The third man, who put the victim in the recovery position, is described as being of mixed race, in his late 20s or early 30s, of large build, short shaved hair and wore a blue long sleeve tracksuit top and dark Adidas shorts that went down to his knee.
PC Rowbottom added: “I ask anyone who recognises the men in the pictures to come forward and help us identify them. You can speak to us in confidence or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 4973 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
