Postman attacked with rock as he did rounds

A BURNLEY postman was repeatedly smashed over the head with a rock and almost had his eyes gouged out during a terrifying attack as he did his rounds.

Detectives said it was a “minor miracle” the postman was not left with serious injuries following the incident, which happened around 12-30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8th, on a track leading to a farm in Newchurch-in-Pendle.

The victim, who police said is from the Burnley area, was delivering mail to the farm.

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As he travelled back down the track, he drove through a puddle and accidentally splashed a man who was out walking.

The walker became angry and the postman got out of his vehicle to apologise.

But the man then picked up a rock and repeatedly hit the postman over the head before trying to gouge his eyes out.

Luckily, the victim managed to grab the rock and shouted at his attacker who went quiet and calmly walked away.

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The attacker is white and of slim build, aged between 50 and 60 with balding hair at the front.

He was wearing a blue fleece-type jacket and was carrying a black rucksack.

Det. Sgt. Nick Hodgson, from Burnley CID, said: “I would appeal to anyone with information about this attack to come forward. It is a minor miracle that the victim did not sustain more serious injuries as the level of violence used was that great.

“What we find interesting from speaking to the victim was that when he managed to grab the rock off the offender and started shouting at him, he went very quiet, almost child like, and calmly walked away. It may well be that this offender has learning difficulties and perhaps isn’t aware of exactly what has happened.

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“Given this, I would also appeal to carers who perhaps look after people who they know like to walk in the area at around this time. Should anyone else have been in the area at the time and may have spotted this man, then I would urge them to get in touch.

“The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital to be checked over. “Understandably he has been left shaken following his ordeal and we are offering him support.”

Anyone with information should call Burnley CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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