Man in his 80's attacked in nature reserve in Ainsdale Southport

Police are appealing for information following reports of an assault in Ainsdale yesterday, Tuesday 22 February.

At around 9.45am we received a report that a man in his 80s was assaulted by an unknown male at the nature reserve on Pinfold Lane.

It was reported that the suspect pushed the man and stood on his left arm.

The suspect then made off on foot in the direction of Dobson’s Ride.

The victim attended hospital for non-serious injuries and was left shaken by the incident.

Officers attended the scene and searched the area but could not locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as white male, in his 20s, with black curly hair and wearing dark clothes.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact police.

Detective Inspector Jay Halpin said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack which left a man injured and we are working to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.

“Thankfully, incidents such as this are rare and we are stepping up high visibility patrols in the area in response to this incident to find the person responsible.

“If you were in the Pinfold Lane area yesterday morning and saw anything or anyone suspicious then please come forward and let us know.

“Similarly if you were driving along the Coastal Road in Ainsdale and have dashcam footage then please review it and let us know if you see anything. Any information you provide could be vital to our enquiries.”

If you witnessed the incident, or have any information please contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with any information, with reference 22000129151. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.