UPDATE 14/01/13: FOUR ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE
POLICE have released CCTV footage and images in the hope of tracking down a vicious gang of youths that abused and assaulted a vulnerable 66-year-old disabled man in Stockport.
“This was a disgusting assault on a man who was alone and vulnerable."
The victim was travelling on the 300 bus at around 5.30pm on 9 November 2013 when a four youths on the bus began to taunt the man about his disability and throw cigarette packets at him.
When the man exited the bus at Daw Bank station, two of the group attacked the man, brutally punching him repeatedly. The man had to be taken to hospital for injuries to his head, face and body.
Police have released this CCTV footage from the station:
Detective Constable Drew McArdle, said: “This was a disgusting assault on a man who was alone and vulnerable.
“It is clear from looking at him that he has a disability and that makes this crime all the more spiteful. The offenders clearly took enjoyment out of tormenting him as they were laughing while physically and verbally abusing him on the bus.
“Despite ongoing efforts we have not been able to identify the four people whose images we have recovered from the bus and I am now appealing for the public to help me establish who they are.
“I think they live locally and if you recognise someone please get in touch.
“I also want to appeal to those directly in the group to come forward and speak to us. I would like to think that at least one of these boys may have felt pressured in to going along with what happened and this incident will be playing on their conscience. Now is the time to do the right thing and come and talk to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9859, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.