Appeal after man assaulted in Haydock

We are appealing for information after a man was assaulted when he challenged five men attempting to burgle a business premises in Haydock this evening (Thursday 30 November).
 
Police were called to the property on Clipsley Lane just before 8.40pm to a report the men had assaulted the victim, a man in his 40s, who has been treated for lacerations to his finger and head. He is in a stable condition in hospital.
 
The offenders, who were described as five youths wearing black and with their faces covered, ran away towards Central Drive and the duck pond.
 
It was reported they had attempted to break into the property and when disturbed by the victim, attacked him in a rear entry.
 
Enquiries are ongoing in the area to locate the offenders, assisted by the National Police Air Service helicopter.
 
There is a short closure on Clipsley Lane, between Squires Close and Wagon Lane, to allow detectives to conduct forensic enquiries at the scene.
 
Detective Inspector Jimmy Rotheram said: “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.”

If you have any information on this incident, please DM us on X @MerPolCC or message us on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ quoting log 874 of 30 November. You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org

Since the creation of Merseyside Police’s dedicated burglary team, known as Operation Castle, there has been a significant reduction in burglaries. The team have helped put burglars behind bars, provided advice to businesses and residents and helped create a portal where residents across Merseyside can submit footage of suspicious behaviour.

If you discover video footage on your home security camera or smart doorbell that shows someone acting suspiciously on your property, you can upload it for the attention of the Operation Castle team here:
https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/castle