Appeal for witnesses following two assaults in Great Sankey

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following two assaults in the Great Sankey area of Warrington.

The first incident occurred at around 9.40pm on Thursday 8 July when a man who was walking his dog on Farmleigh Gardens confronted a group of youths who are believed to have started a fire in a woodland area.

The 53-year-man told the youths to extinguish the fire, at which point he was pushed to the floor and assaulted.

The man was received minor injuries and was taken to hospital following the incident.

The second incident took place at around 10.50pm on Saturday 24th July when a 34-year-old man who was cycling on the footpath between Whittle Avenue and Belmont Crescent found his pathway blocked by a group of three to four youths.

The group assaulted the man and attempted to steal his bike before fleeing the scene.

The victim sustained serious injuries to his face and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Enquiries in relation to the incidents have been ongoing and officers are now appealing for information from the public.

Police Constable Kieran McGregor said: “These are both concerning incidents and I would like to reassure residents that we are committed to doing all we can to trace the people responsible.

“At this stage we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked.

“Enquiries have been ongoing and as part of our investigations we’re are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident who believes they may have seen anything suspicious.

“The same goes for anyone who believes they have any CCTV or dashcam footage which may aid the investigation.”

Anyone with any information in relation to either of the incidents is asked to call Cheshire police on 101, or visit the Cheshire Police website, quoting IML 1045778.

Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.