Appeal after man assaulted and “forced into water” at Manvers Lake

A MAN was attacked at a Manvers beauty spot by a gang of masked men who forced him into a lake.

Police said the victim had been at Manvers Lake when he was approached by a group of seven men in balaclavas at Manvers Lake, who punched and kicked him and forced him into the water. 

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “On Saturday, August 20, between 5.55pm and 6.15pm, the victim – a 32-year-old man – went for a walk around Manvers Lake.

“He sat down for a rest and was approached by a group of seven men.

"Two of the men are reported to have assaulted the 32-year-old, kicking him in the back and forcing him into the shallow water.

“The group are believed to have been shouting aggressively at the victim, with one suspect punching him as he tried to stand up. He shouted ‘police’ and the group fled the scene.

"Two of the suspects are reported to have left the scene on electric bicycles.

“The suspects are described as white, between the ages of 20 and 30 and were wearing dark clothing, including hooded jumpers, zipped jackets and jogging bottoms. The suspects are also understood to have worn balaclavas."

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 828 of August 20 or use the police online portal at www.southyorks.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/.