Coronavirus: Man punched in face after removing mask to speak to elderly mother on tram

A man in Blackpool has been punched in the face for taking his mask off to speak to his elderly mother while they were travelling on a tram.

Police said the victim is in his 60s and his mother, who is in her 90s, is hard of hearing.

As the pensioner removed his face covering to speak to her, the suspect came up behind him and demanded that he put his mask back on, police said.

He then punched the man in the face, leaving him with a bruised eye.

The incident happened on a Blackpool tram at about 8.30pm on 4 September.

PC Laura Alves, of Lancashire Police, said: "This was a shocking attack on a man who was simply trying to speak to his mother, who is hard of hearing.

"We urgently need to speak to the man in the CCTV still and I would ask that anyone who recognises him to contact police.

"Similarly, I would appeal to the man directly to contact us if you see this appeal."

The attacker is described as in his 30s, about 5ft 6in tall, of large build, wearing all black with a grey face mask.

He had a shaved head with dark hair and was wearing glasses.

No arrest has been made and inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting log 0428 of 5 September, 2020. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111

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