Blind man attacked after getting lost

Police are hunting a gang of youths who left a blind man with cracked ribs after robbing him in Manchester.

Paul Mainwaring was attacked after becoming lost in the Harpurhey area on Saturday.

The gang had offered to help him but instead led him down a side road where they kicked and punched him and robbed him of his mobile phone, cash and credit card.

Mr Mainwaring, of Bury, Greater Manchester, had got lost after getting on the wrong bus while going to visit relatives.

This attack has taken street robbery to a new low and we are determined to catch those responsible

Detective Inspector Jeff Warburton

The 44-year-old had meant to go to Prestwich but got off the bus in Queens Road, Harpurhey, after passengers told him it was going to Oldham.

He was attacked in Park View shortly after getting off the bus at about 1825 GMT.

Detective Inspector Jeff Warburton, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This was a despicable and cowardly attack on a vulnerable person.

"These people pretended to offer help to Paul, knowing that he was extremely vulnerable and unlikely to be able to defend himself.

'New low'

"He trusted them and they attacked him."

He added police wanted to speak to an "Asian sounding" girl Mr Mainwaring had spoken to after the attack who may have seen the offenders.

Mr Warburton added: "It is also possible that people on the bus saw the youths approach Paul just after he got off.

"This attack has taken street robbery to a new low and we are determined to catch those responsible."