A CYCLIST was seriously assaulted by a man during a terrifying robbery in Cheshire.

Police are now appealing for information from members of the public after the victim was left with a serious facial injury.

The man in his 20s, from Crewe, was cycling near the junction of Ruskin Road and Gainsborough Road when the incident occurred at about 2am today (Thursday, May 13).

He stopped peddling when an unknown man on foot spoke to him.

The man then punched the victim in the face and knocked him off his bike.

The offender subsequently picked up the bike and rode off in an unknown direction.

The victim sustained a serious facial injury as a result of the incident.

He was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

The victim remains in hospital receiving treatment.

The offender is described as about 5’ 10” tall with a slim/average build. He was wearing all black clothing and had a black face mask on.

The bicycle he stole is a black Trek mountain bike with blue hand grips and suspension forks.

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and detectives are urging anyone with any information or footage regarding the robbery to get in touch.

Detective Sergeant Vicki Shelton, of Crewe Local Policing Unit, said: “The victim is currently in hospital receiving treatment for a serious facial injury he sustained as a result of this incident.

“We wish him a speedy recovery and I would like to reassure him and all other members of the Crewe community that we are doing everything we can to establish who committed the serious assault and robbery, make him face the consequences of his actions and have the stolen mountain bike returned to its rightful owner.

“Enquiries are ongoing and I urge anyone who was in the area and saw anything that may help our investigation to contact us at Crewe Police Station."

Anyone with information or footage that may aid the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 986720, give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.