Carjackers assault council leader

Sir Richard described the attack as a 'very unpleasant experience'

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, has been attacked and had his car stolen in Burnage.

He was attacked after he pulled over his car on Milwain Road on 2 January, Greater Manchester Police said.

Two men, described as black, well built and about 6ft (1.83m) tall, demanded his keys and in a scuffle he was punched and suffered a head injury.

Police believe the carjackers had followed Mr Leese for some time in a black vehicle before attacking him.

'Unprovoked attack'

Sir Richard was taken to hospital as a precaution where he received treatment for his injury. His car, a light blue Mini Cooper with a white roof, was recovered by officers on 11 January in Moston.

The offenders are thought to be in their late teens or early twenties, wearing dark sports clothing.

Detective Constable Andrew Langlands said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked attack on a man simply going about his day.

"If anyone was in the area at the time or saw the car after the attack, please get in touch."

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "It was a very unpleasant experience which left me very shaken and with minor injuries. I hope that the perpetrators are caught so that no one else becomes a victim and suffers this kind of assault."