Teenager left with life changing injuries following golf club attack in Rochdale
The 17-year-old victim suffered serious head injuries.
Police have launched a hate crime investigation after a promising young rugby star was hit by a car and attacked with a golf club in Rochdale.
Officers were called to reports that two cars had crashed on Smithy Bridge Road in Littleborough at 2am on Saturday morning.
A 17-year-old boy, who was a passenger in a black Vauxhall Corsa got out and was struck by the other car, before being assaulted with a golf club. His friend in the driver’s seat was injured while another one of the offenders smashed his window with a metal object.
The group, made up of four or five Asian men, was heard shouting racial abuse at the teenager and his friends before they fled towards Hollingworth Lake.
The 17-year-old was taken to hospital where he remains for treatment of his serious head injuries.
Detective Inspector Mark McDowall of GMP’s Rochdale borough, said: “The man is still in hospital recovering from this brutal assault and I hope he makes a speedy recovery.
“This was an unprovoked attack that has left the victim with life changing injuries, so it’s vital that we find the people responsible for this horrendous incident.
“Even though this happened in the early hours of the morning, I’d urge anyone who heard or saw anything out of the ordinary on Smithy Bridge Road, or who saw the men in the black Nissan Micra at any time, to get in touch. They are described as being 4 or 5 Asian males, of thin build and aged between late teens to early twenties.
“Our officers will be carrying out additional patrols in the area while the investigation continues, so I’d ask that you speak to them directly or ring 0161 856 8441 if you have any information.”
The boy’s family have asked for some privacy at this difficult time but have described their son as: “A caring young man. He is always the first to help anybody in need. He was one of the first people onto the M62 to help the stranded people during the “Beast from the East”.
“He is loyal and caring and has a very gentle nature. He had just been offered a rugby scholarship in America and was so excited. He is devastated that this has been taken away from him. We would urge anybody who has any information to contact the police as soon as possible.”
Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 274 of 02/06/18.