A dad has spoken of the terrifying moment his ice cream van was smashed up with a butcher's knife - whilst he was inside the vehicle.
Malik Munir Ahmed, 43, caught the vandals on camera as they targeted his vehicle outside Woodlands Primary Academy in Oldham on Thursday 11 May.
The businessman said his tyres were slashed with a butcher's knife before his windows were smashed by a hooded thug.
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The dad-of- five said his children have been left 'scared' by the incident, telling him to 'be careful'. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they are investigating the attack.
The ice cream seller said he usually serves children leaving school at Hodge Clough Primary School, but he was forced to find another spot on the day of the attack after noticing an ice cream van already parked outside the school.
He then moved on to Blackshaw Lane Primary School, but encountered the same problem there. He finally drove to Woodlands Primary Academy, where he parked to do business.
But shortly after the end of the school day, Mr Ahmed said he noticed two men approaching in his wing mirror brandishing a butcher's knife. He claims his van was 'attacked' while he was still inside it - in front of schoolchildren and teachers.
"My children are scared," he told the Manchester Evening News. "They say to me, be careful." Mr Ahmed also posted about the incident on Facebook, branding it 'absolutely ridiculous behaviour'.
Pictures and videos of the incident show a hooded man dressed in black use an object to smash the van's window, before fleeing.
A GMP spokesperson said: "Greater Manchester Police received reports of an incident on Broadbent Road, Oldham, on Thursday 11 May 2023 at around 4pm.
"An investigation has been launched and enquiries are currently ongoing.
"Members of the public with any information or details that could help officers are asked to call police on 101, quoting log number 2369 of 11/05/23. You can also report information via www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers - anonymously – on 0800 555 111."
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