Two men attacked on way home from church
9:13am Monday 15th October 2007 in News By Staff Reporter
TWO churchgoers were attacked as they walked home after evening worship.
The men, aged 21 and 19, had been to a Seventh Day Adventist Church service when they were targeted.
They were walking along Raglan Street, in Halliwell, when they were approached by a teenager, who knew them, at 8.50pm on Friday.
He made an abusive comment towards the men then walked off. But seconds later, two members of a nearby gang walked up to the men and started to attack them.
Both the victims were hit several times in the face and on the head.
They called the police who contacted paramedics.
The victims were taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where they stayed overnight.
Both men suffered cuts and bruises to the face, and one has a suspected fractured cheekbone.
Det Sgt Sarah Wallwork, of Bolton CID, said: "A number of people witnessed this incident and we are confident we will find those responsible."
Three boys from the Halliwell area, aged 15, 16 and 17, were arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail.
Officers say they are preparing to arrest a number of other youths in connection with the attack.
