A vicious and unprovoked attack left a 69-year-old man with a broken hip as he walked through the city centre last Monday.
The assault occurred at 11.25am on August 11 as the victim was walking down Portland Street near to NatWest bank.
The thug approached the man from behind and in a threatening fashion asked ‘what do you want?’ before pushing him to the ground, feigning a kick at him and saying ‘do you want some more?’.
Detective Sergeant Mark Astbury said: “It is deplorable to think that a young man of 20 or 30 years old is prepared to intimidate and assault a man nearing his 70s in broad daylight on a busy street.
“His actions were disrespectful and cowardly and appear to be completely without motive or provocation.”
The attacker who walked off towards Oxford Road has been described as having a tanned complexion, aged between 20 and 30, 6ft and of slim build and wearing a Manchester United scarf.
His victim was rushed to hospital to be treated for his broken hip.
Detective Sergeant Astbury said: “If anyone has any information about the identity of this cowardly individual I would encourage them to call us in absolute confidence.
“Several buses were driving down Portland Street at the time of the assault so I would also like to hear from bus drivers if they have seen the assault.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3277, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps with thanks
