Police issue appeal after laughing youths filmed the moment they pushed man, 74, into freezing river

Police in Warrington have issued an appeal after footage emerged of an elderly man being pushed into a river.

The incident took place between 2.30pm and 3pm on Sunday 25 April while the 74-year-old was sat on a bank of the River Mersey on Wharf Street near Riverside Retail Park.

‘A shocking and upsetting incident’

Two or three male youths are believed to have pushed him from behind causing him to fall into the water

The moment the man was pushed into the river was filmed by the youths who committed the act.

We have chosen not to show the video out of respect for the victim of this attack.

The man sustained a cut to his face when he banged his head in the fall.

Two unknown women who were passing by came to his aid and pulled him out of the water.

He walked home and informed his family who reported the assault to the police.

Cheshire police issued an appeal for the women to come forward, and they have today spoken with officers and enquiries are ongoing.

Sergeant Mark Spaven, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “This was a shocking and upsetting incident which has understandably left the gentleman shaken.

“We are determined to find those responsible and I am urging anyone who has any information or believes they know who did this to come forward.

“On Wednesday 28 April officers arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of assault and possession with intent to supply cannabis. He is currently in police custody for questioning.”

If you can assist police with their enquiries please contact 101 quoting IML 973152 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.