Appeal to catch Walsall canalside mugger
A cyclist whose jaw was broken when he was mugged on a canalside towpath in the West Midlands has appealed for help to catch his attacker.
The 20-year-old, who did not want to be named, was riding near Bentley Mill Way in Walsall when he was approached by a man who punched him and stole his bike.
He said: "I had to have an operation the day after. I had plates in my face and my jaw wired up."
Police said they believe the same man has struck three times in two months.
The latest victim was a 12-year-old boy who was threatened, and although he was unhurt, had his bag stolen. The attack happened at about 15:15 GMT on 28 November and the offender escaped towards Pleck.
The first offence was on 10 October near the EMR (European Metal Recycling) Bridge on the towpath. Nothing was taken from the 40-year-old victim.
The man whose jaw was broken was attacked on 1 November between 17:20 and 17:40 GMT.
The offender is described as a white man in his early 20s, 5ft 7ins tall, with a skinny build and scruffy appearance. He had spots on the right side of his face near his nose and yellow-stained teeth.
Det Con Clare 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.
"Despite all our investigations to date we have been unable to identify this man and prevent any further attacks."
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police or Crimestoppers.