Topless man launches 'random' attack with metal bar on boy, 6, and mother as they enjoy picnic
A topless man attacked a young boy and his mother with a metal bar as they enjoyed a picnic in a Tameside field, police have said.
The “random” thug approached the six-year-old boy and his mum, 29, as they sat near a canal in the Greater Manchester village of Denton at around 5pm on Tuesday.
The man repeatedly hit the pair with the bar before they managed to escape down the canal towpath.
Both were treated in hospital for injuries but have since been discharged.
The suspect was last seen running off through the field in the direction of the River Tame, detectives said.
The offender is described as a white man, aged around 18, and about 5ft8in tall. He is said to be skinny with “light coloured” hair and was clean-shaven.
He was topless but was wearing black shorts falling just above the knee. He was also wearing a black Nike rucksack and carrying a drawstring bag.
Detective Sergeant Wayne Marshall, of Greater Manchester Police said: “This is a very worrying attack by a random man in pure daylight on a mother and son who were enjoying themselves in the nice weather by the canal and I am committed that they get justice.
“For someone to demonstrate such levels of brutality and audacity in this way is shocking and I am determined to ensure that we catch whoever is responsible for this attack and stop them from offending again.
“No one should be subjected to such a disgraceful and unprovoked incident and I am committed to prevent any other members of the public from becoming further victims of this very violent man.”
“This would’ve been a busy time of day and it is vital that any witnesses of this incident come forward with any information they have; even if you just recognise the description of the offender then please get in touch and assist our enquiries.”
No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 9262 quoting incident number 2288 of 11/08/2020.
