POLICE have vowed to put extra resources in place along the city’s canal paths after an elderly man was brutally assaulted and robbed.
The 68-year-old was cycling close to lock ten, in the direction of Sixways Rugby Club, at 2.45pm on Friday, August 29, when he passed three teenagers who asked him for the time.
He responded to the youths and carried on riding before he felt a blow to the face which caused facial injuries and required hospital treatment.
A black box type bag from the front of his bike, which contained a black lock, a drink and a yellow and black cable tie, was then stolen by the teens.
The youngsters, thought to be about 15 or 16-years-old, then ran off towards a grass area which leads in the direction of Offerton Lane and Wainright Road.
Two were described as being white and the third was described as Asian with dark hair and wearing a black t-shirt.
It is the latest in a series of attacks within the area and despite not linking the incidents, police have said extra groundwork will take place.
PC Kerry Papps said: “This was a cruel and unprovoked attack which left the man with facial injuries.
“We would urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack to contact police to assist with our inquiries.
“There have been other incidents near to the canal, although we don’t have any evidence to show that they are linked. We will be deploying extra resources to the area as a precaution.”
Anyone with further information on the offence can contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
