Police have issued an urgent warning after 'high-strength' medication was stolen when a pharmacy delivery driver was attacked earlier today. The man was 'elbowed' in the face by a thug who walked past him, causing him to drop the keys to his van.
The attacker then picked up the keys and drove away. The van, said Greater Manchester Police, contained prescribed medication worth around £500.
The force has now issued an urgent warning, saying anyone who takes the drugs could be at risk. Investigations to locate the van and the medication are continuing, said GMP. The van is only described as a white Citroen, registration number WJ63 WOY.
Issuing a public appeal, police said the incident was 'opportunistic and violent'. It's not known whether the man was seriously injured and no further details have been described. The attack happened on Newville Drive in Withington, south Manchester, at around 2pm on Monday.
In a statement, GMP said: "Officers were called around 2pm today (Monday 13 March 2023) to Newville Drive in Withington, to reports a pharmacy delivery driver had been assaulted and the keys to his van stolen.
"A young, white man reportedly elbowed the driver in the face, causing him to drop the keys, which the young man then picked up and drove the van away.
"The vehicle is described as being a white, Citroen van, registration number WJ63 WOY, and contained approximately £500 worth of medication."
PC Marc Bennion issued an appeal for anyone offered the medication for sale to come forward. The drugs or their packaging haven't been further described.
He said: "This is an opportunist, violent theft, which has resulted in high-strength medication being stolen. We would urge anyone who is approached with any of this medication, to please let us know straightaway. If someone takes this medication who isn’t prescribed it, it can have serious, lasting consequences.
"We want to make sure that the people in the local, and surrounding, areas are kept safe, so we are appealing for anyone who is approached, or anyone who has any information, to get in touch with GMP via 101, quoting log number 1852 of 13 03 2023.
"Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111."
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