Patrols up after towpath attacks

Patrols are being stepped up at a canal towpath in Walsall following a spate of robberies there, including one which left a victim with a broken jaw.

Detectives are investigating after three attacks on the towpath in Bentley Mill Way in the space of two months. It is believed all three attacks have been carried out by the same man.

Officers today appealed for help to identify the man.

Dc Claire Cavanagh, from Walsall CID, said: "We are investigating all three robberies and believe they may have all been committed by the same man who is targeting people using the towpath.

"One of the victims suffered a broken jaw as a result of the robbery and even though he has not attacked two of the other victims, he has threatened them.

"Despite all our investigations to date we have been unable to identify this man and prevent further attacks."

In the most recent robbery, a 12-year-old lad was threatened but was left unhurt, although his bag was stolen.

The offender was a white man in his early 20s, around 5ft 7ins tall, of a skinny build and a scruffy appearance.

He had spots on the right side of his face near to his nose and yellow stained teeth. The robber, who was wearing a grey hooded top, light blue jeans and black trainers, made off in the direction of Pleck.

The attack happened at around 3.15pm on November 28. A 40-year-old was targeted on the afternoon of October 10 near to the EMR bridge on the towpath, although this time nothing was stolen.

A 20-year-old man suffered a broken jaw when his bike was stolen in a towpath attack on November 1, between 5.20pm and 5.40pm.

The victim was riding his bike under a bridge when he was punched, leaving him with bruising and swelling to the face.