Car gang "terrorise" residents

9:40am Wednesday 7th January 2009

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A GANG of men travelling in a black Ford Fiesta has been terrorising young men in a series of attacks in Penketh and Widnes on Monday.

The spree of six assaults began at 2.10pm when one of the three men in the car punched a 17–year–old boy in the face, knocking his glasses to the floor, as he walked along Heath Road in Penketh.

They proceeded to attack two other 17 year olds, punching them and stealing their mobiles before threatening to stab a 20–year–old man and a boy aged 15 if they did not hand over their phones.

A dog came to the rescue of the 15–year–old boy who was the last reported victim at 4pm.

He was walking through Upton Rocks Park in Widnes when two of the passengers threatened to stab him if he refused to give them his belongings.

The youngster was saved by a dog off his lead which jumped up at one of the attackers causing them to flee from the area in the direction of Cronton.

The men are described as white and of stocky build. One attacker is 6ft 2ins, in his early 20s with a thin goaty beard and was wearing blue jeans with black leather gloves.

The other man is 5ft 11ins and thought to be 21. He was wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up, green camoflauge trousers and black gloves.

Police have part of the car’s registration listed as MT56 and are urging witnesses, especially the woman walking the dog, or anyone else with information to contact DC Alison Howarth on 01244 613936.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.