Police appeal for witnesses after cyclist pushed into canal in Cheshire

Cheshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was knocked unconscious and fell into a canal, and want to trace a woman who helped him out of the water.

The incident happened between 5pm and 5.30pm on Tuesday 25 July as the 40-year-old male cyclist was riding from Chester towards Ellesmere Port.

As he rode along the canal at the rear of the Dale Army Camp towards Backford Dip, he was struck in the face by an unknown assailant wielding what was described as a yellow object.

The assault caused him to fall off his bike into the water and luckily a woman who was passing by helped him out of the canal.

Detective Constable Gary Morris from Chester CID, said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a man who was simply out cycling. Had it not been for the woman passing by we could have been dealing with a completely different incident. 

“I want to thank her for helping him out of the water but also ask her to come forward and speak to officers about what happened. 

“Although we are following a number of lines of enquiry we need the public’s help in coming forward with any information they might have to trace the person responsible.

“Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area? Do you know who might be responsible? If you have any information, please get in touch with us,” he added.

Anyone who has information is requested to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident 633 of 26 July, or the charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.