A MAN and a woman were attacked by a thug who then stole a bike in a shocking and violent robbery.

At around 1.25am on Saturday, January 14, a 23-year-old man was cycling along Insall Road to meet his partner.

As he approached Padgate Library, he noticed a man and a woman who appeared to be arguing.

The cyclist continued to ride along Insall Road, and as he got near to the couple the man suddenly jumped out in front and grabbed hold of the bike.

The pair then became involved in an altercation, during which the cyclist was punched to the back of his head.

While the pair were arguing, the cyclist’s partner also arrived at the scene. She was also hit to the face during the altercation.

The man then stole the bicycle and rode off in the direction of Crab Lane and Birchwood Road, while the woman also ran off from the scene.

The suspect was a white man, around 5’ 10” tall and in his late 30s, with mousey brown hair which was short on the sides and longer on top.

He was described as having a wrinkly face and stubbly brown-grey facial hair. The man had a local accent and was wearing a black tracksuit.

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing, and detectives are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

DC Ian Prashar said: “Enquiries in relation to this incident are ongoing, and we are doing all we can to establish what has taken place.

“As part of our investigation, we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the incident.

“The same goes for anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage.

“We are also keen to hear from anyone who has any information in relation to the whereabouts of the stolen bike – a distinctive matt black GT Avalanche Mountain bike, with luminous green text.”

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 1455944, or visit cheshire.police.uk/tell-us

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.