Horror as pensioner, 77, violently assaulted as police hunt masked attacker on bike

A pensioner was 'violently assaulted' in a random attack in Bury, with police now hunting a masked suspect on a bike.

The male victim, aged 77, was assaulted at around 12.40pm on Sunday (May 19) outside the former Wilko store near to The Rock shopping centre. He was hit across the head in what police have called a 'verbal exchange' before fleeing the scene.

CCTV enquiries have since revealed the suspect entered Bury town centre from Bolton Street and made their way down to The Rock. They were wearing a balaclava at the time.

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Police have now issued pictures of the suspect they want to trace amid ongoing investigations. The victim was not seriously injured in the attack.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "We are currently seeking help from members of the public in tracing the below suspect. On Sunday 19th May 2024, at approximately 12:40, a 77 year old member of the public was violently assaulted near to the former Wilko store on The Rock by an unknown suspect.

"The suspect entered Bury Town Centre from the direction of Bolton Street and made their way down The Rock towards the Wilko store. CCTV has been obtained from the area but unfortunately the offender was wearing a balaclava.

"The offender is described as a white male, approximately 5ft 7inch in height, medium build, wearing a face covering."

If you have any information relating to the identity of the rider, please contact 101 quoting log reference 1555-19052024 or contact us via livechat. Alternatively, you can email PC STODART on 17769@gmp.police.uk.