Police in Tameside have issued an e-fit of man they want to speak with after a 12-year-old boy was the victim of an attempted robbery on a canal towpath.

The boy was attacked near the Ashton Canal, just off Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, at 1:30pm on 13 April 2022.

He was riding is bike while his sister and cousin were on horseback when he was approached by an unknown male.

The assailant is described as a white male, aged around 18 or 19, of fair complexion and skinny build, and wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black trainers, black gloves and a cap.

Police Sergeant David Lunt, of GMP Tameside district's Serious Acquisitive Crime Team, said: "The boy has ridden ahead of this mum to catch up with his sister when a male has grabbed hold of his handlebars before threatening him with a knife.

"The victim’s mother and another member of the public have intervened and the male has then made off, without the bike, in the direction of Daisy Nook.

"This was a frightening incident for the young boy, who was simply out riding his bike with his family, heading in the direction of the Daisy Nook family funfair.

"Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made, but any information the public may have in relation to the incident, or the identity of the male in the e-fit, could help us with our investigation."

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to email 16684@gmp.police.uk or call Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting log 1494-13/04/2022.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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