Shock after man attacked challenging would-be burglars in Haydock

A man suffered head injuries after being assaulted when he challenged five people who attempted to burgle a business, police say.

The incident happened in Haydock on Thursday evening, November 30, at a property on Clipsley Lane.

Police say that shortly before 8.40pm they were called to a report the group had assaulted the victim, a man in his 40s.

The victim was taken to hospital and has been treated for lacerations to his finger and head. He has since been discharged from hospital, police said.

Police on Clipsley Lane last night (Image: St Helens Star)
 
The offenders, who were described as five youths wearing black and with their faces covered, ran away towards Central Drive and the duck pond.
 
Police say it was reported they had attempted to break into the property and when disturbed by the victim, attacked him in a rear entry.

Officers made inquiries last night in the area to try to find the offenders, assisted by the National Police Air Service helicopter.
 
There was a short closure on Clipsley Lane, between Squires Close and Wagon Lane, to allow detectives to conduct forensic inquiries at the scene.

A woman who lives nearby said: “All I saw was all these police cars and lights. We didn’t know what was going on. 

“This morning I found out a man was stabbed. I hope he’s going to be OK. 
“This is a quiet area we get very little trouble it’s just shocking really.”

The attack happened after an attempted burglary on Clipsley Lane (Image: St Helens Star)

A man who lives nearby added: “I heard all this noise and saw lights through my curtains and thought what’s going on.

“I went on social media and saw people talking about stuff but when it came on the paper online I took it serious then. 

“Why does anyone think they have the right to break in to anyone’s place like that? Mad world we live in now”

Detective Inspector Jimmy Rotheram added: “Nobody has the right to force entry into someone’s property, and it is despicable to think that this victim to be assaulted and injured while trying to stop the offenders.

“Burglary - whether it is of a residential home or a business - is an invasive crime that victims can really struggle to come to terms with. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, and business owners have every right to work hard and earn a living without criminals causing physical and emotional damage in this way.

“If you saw anything suspicious in the area of Clipsley Lane on Friday evening, please get in touch so that we can bring those responsible to justice.”