Police appeal after Manchester cyclist knocked unconscious by object thrown from car

Greater Manchester Police have launched an appeal after a cyclist was left unconscious and with facial wounds after being struck by an object, believed to be a brick or bottle, thrown at him from a passing car.

The 41-year-old victim, who has not been named, needed internal and external stitches to his lip following the incident which took place on a dirt track between Bolton Road, Bickershaw and Landgate Lane, Bryn at around 11.30am on the morning of Monday 27 October.

The chain of events that resulted in the object being thrown began when a silver Ford Focus, possibly with an 02 or 03 plate, passed close to the cyclist, narrowly missing him.

According to police, the driver performed a handbrake turn and the cyclist gestured at him as a result of the way he was driving.

Shortly afterwards, the cyclist, becoming aware of the car approaching him from behind, pulled over at the side of the road and was knocked unconscious by an object thrown from the vehicle.

After he regained consciousness he found his face covered in blood and went to a nearby farm to get help.

Greater Manchester police say that there were two people inside the vehicle, “both white and aged between 17 and 20. One had short dark hair and the other short light coloured hair.”

Detective Constable Suzanne Rigby commented: “Someone in the car has quite possibly launched a brick or similar weapon at the victim from close range causing some very nasty facial injuries.

“Their actions, along with their driving, was reckless, dangerous and completely unprovoked.

“If anyone knows who is responsible, saw the car driving in the area that day or has any other information that may help, please contact us.”

Anyone who has information regarding the incident is requested to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 7295, or the charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.