Police are appealing for help to find a Wigan gang who smashed a man’s head with a hammer after he tried to help his neighbours during a home raid.
The incident, whichoccurred late on Tuesday, March 31, saw three armed men force their way into a house on Fairclough Street in Hindley, Wigan.
A 21-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were in the house at the time of the attack where one of the offenders brandished a machete, waving it around threatening the vale victim. The second offender carried a hammer.
Hearing the commotion, the couple’s brave neighbour came to their aid but was violently struck on the head with the hammer, leaving him with injuries that needed hospital treatment.
Police Constable Chris Waddicar said: “We are investigating this deeply unsettling incident which has left a young couple extremely traumatised and another man, who was only being a good neighbour, with a head injury that needed hospital treatment.
The 56-year-old good Samaritan has since been discharged from hospital.
PC Waddicar commended the man’s selfless actions, he said: “I have to pay tribute to the bravery of the neighbour, who did not turn a blind eye but showed great courage in risking his own safety to help out his neighbours.
“For his trouble, he was smashed in the head with a hammer and lost a considerable amount of blood while the other offenders stole an expensive watch.
The trio, who left with the 21-year-old victim’s Hugo Boss watch, fled towards Ladies Lane.
Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to anyone who has information to come forward.
The first of the offenders is described as white with a skinny build, 5ft 6in tall and is in his mid-30s.
It’s believed that he was wearing a black baseball cap, a black neck warmer and a black baggy raincoat.
The second assailant, who also white, was of a bigger build. He is described to have had brown or ginger stubble, is 5ft 9in tall and in his mid-20s. He wore a baggy jumper and a red and blue baseball cap.
The third man, also white and of a medium build, had a dark-coloured beard. He was about 5ft 9in tall, in his mid-30s and wearing a black woolly hat.
PC Waddicar said: “I am sure people in this community will be appalled by the circumstances of this crime so I would ask people to use that anger and help us find the culprits.
“We believe the offenders may be local to the area so please, if you have any information whatsoever or you suspect who may be involved, then please do the right thing and call us so we can give the victims peace of mind and stop this gang before any other innocent members of our community are targeted.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
