Delivery driver attacked with machete before being bundled into car: Farnworth
(BL4 - Saturday, 29 January, 2011)

The 51-year-old man was kidnapped on Gower Street at about 9.20pm on Thursday 27 January 2011.

The man, who works as a takeaway driver, received a call asking for a delivery to Gower Street, Bolton, and pulled up in his green Toyota Avensis.

While taking food out of the boot, he was struck on the head from behind by a masked man who is believed had got out of a black car and demanded a substantial amount of cash.

When he said he did not have any, the offender produced a machete and tried to strike the driver, who grabbed the blade to protect himself and in doing so suffered several cuts.

While the pair struggled, two other men appeared and bundled the man into the boot of his car before driving off.

They continued to shout their demands for cash, until eventually he was let out on a dirt track near to Cross Guns Pub, Blackburn Road, Bolton.

The three men then set the car alight and escaped.

The main offender is described as:

• an Asian male
• 6ft tall
• wearing a black balaclava
• spoke with a Pakistani accent

The other two men were also thought to be Asian.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the incident to come forward, and particularly want to hear from anyone who saw a black car, similar to an Astra, in the Grafton Street/Gower Street areas as it is believed the gang may have been driving around in such a car.

Detective Inspector Stuart Wilkinson said:

"We are investigating why this man was targeted and at this stage it would not be appropriate to speculate about motive.

"We do not know why this driver was singled out, but clearly it was a planned and calculated attack.

"The level of violence this gang used means this man is both extremely shaken up and may need surgical treatment to his hands.

"It is obviously a very distressing incident and we are doing everything we can to get to the bottom of it.

"We have a team of detectives working on this and we are asking the public to help us in our inquiries.

"If you have any information about what happened, or saw a black car with three Asian man hanging around the Gower Street or Grafton Street areas, then please call us as your information could be vital."

Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Greater Manchester

Address:
Gower Street
Farnworth
Bolton
LANCASHIRE
BL4