A CYCLIST was punched in the face during an attempted robbery near Winwick Road.

The 25-year-old victim was riding his bike along Long Lane at midnight on July 22 when he was attacked by two men.

One of the culprits, who were also riding bicycles, demanded that the victim hand over his bag and punched him in the face when he refused.

The victim managed to ride into the back of the offender’s bike and knock him off it before fleeing from the scene.

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DS Alison Howarth said: “This was a frightening incident for the victim that has left him extremely shaken up.

“We would like to reassure Warrington residents that this incident does not appear to be part of any pattern of offending and that we are determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

The man who assaulted the victim is described as white, in his late teens or early 20s, of slim build and around 5ft 7ins.

He was clean shaven and was riding a dark-coloured bike and wearing a dark jacket with the hood up, dark jogging bottoms and black trainers.

The other man was the same height but was of slightly bigger build.

He was riding a black mountain bike and wearing a light grey top with the hood up and black tracksuit bottoms.

DS Howarth said: “If you witnessed the incident, saw anything suspicious in the area around that time or recognise the descriptions of the offenders and think you may know who they are please get in touch.

“We are particularly keen to hear from people who were in two cars, which were captured on CCTV, in the area around the time of the incident.

"One was at the junction of Fisher Avenue and Long Lane and the other was driving down Long Lane from Winwick Road. They may have seen what happened and have crucial information that could help with our investigation.”

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 131799, visit cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.