Man in his 80s assaulted in ‘completely unprovoked attack’ at Ainsdale beauty spot

Police are looking for witnesses after a man in his 80s was assaulted at a picturesque Merseyside nature reserve.

The man was attacked on Tuesday morning at around 9.45am by an unknown man, believed to be in his 20s, at the Ainsdale nature reserve near Pinfold Lane.

The suspect pushed the man and stood on his left arm before making off on foot in the direction of Dobson’s Ride, according to Merseyside 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.”

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

Appeal for witnesses

Officers attended the scene and searched the area but could not locate the suspect who is described as a white male, in his 20s, with black curly hair and wearing dark clothes.

DI Halpin added: “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.”

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

How to contact the police with information

If you witnessed the incident, or have any information please contact Merseyside Police 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-inform