Appeal for information following attack

Above: burglary and assault victim John Williams, police are seeking his attacker

Police are appealing for information after a man was attacked in his own home by a burglar.

The incident happened on Fitz Close, Macclesfield, at 10.20am on Tuesday 28 August.

The victim, John Williams, 34, was upstairs in bed when he heard a loud bang downstairs. He went downstairs and saw an unknown man in his hallway.

The man then punched and kicked the victim to the floor before putting his hands around his neck and strangling him until he passed out.

Neck bruising sustained by Mr Williams

When Mr Williams came to, the man was gone and he had stolen his wallet.

The man is described as white, mid-twenties to early thirties, 5’9”, slim build with light brown scruffy hair and a short beard/stubble. He was wearing a green long sleeved fleece and carrying a plastic ‘bag for life’ style bag.

Inspector Angela Marinari said: “This is a shocking incident and the victim has been left with chipped teeth and bruising around his neck after being attacked in his own home whilst trying to enjoy a day off.

“The community will understandably be concerned about this but we want to reassure the public that this is an incredibly unusual incident and we have not had any similar reports. We are committed to tracing the man responsible and are doing all we can to locate him.”

CCTV image of man wanted in connection with burglary and assault

Detective Constable Lauren Thatcher said: “We need to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the burglary who may have seen a man matching this description, or saw something suspicious.

“If you have any information then please contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 167833. You can also submit information online at https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”