POLICE may claim violent crimes have dropped by 2% across the division but two victims of vicious city centre attacks may beg to differ.
A savage attack left a pensioner needing hospital treatment after he was wrestled to the floor on his way home from the pub on Monday.
Early on Sunday morning, a man was twice punched in the face before his assailant ran off with his wallet and mobile phone. He was taken to the Countess of Chester hospital with a suspected broken nose before being released the next day.
Monday's assault took place in Boughton just as the pubs closed.
A 74-year-old man was on his way home from the Cross Foxes pub in Boughton. As he emerged from an alleyway leading to Steven Court he was pushed to the floor by an unknown man who stood over him with clenched fists demanding money.
The pensioner attempted to shout to raise the alarm but his attacker grabbed his face to muffle his voice.
Not prepared to give up the fight, the struggle continued as the victim attempted to stop the offender searching through his pockets.
His efforts were halted when his dentures became dislodged during the struggle and fearing he may choke he gave up the fight.
The thief took the victim's building society and pension books as well as cash before making off on foot.
The victim managed to stagger home where he raised the alarm. He was then admitted to hospital for treatment to facial injuries.
The offender is described as a white male, about 30 years old, approximately 6ft tall, of medium build and possibly with facial hair. He wore a short, dark jacket and tracksuit bottoms and spoke with a local accent.
A previous attack took place at approximately 12.15am on Sunday in St Anne Street, Chester.
The victim, a 25-year-old man, was using a mobile phone when he was confronted by a man who punched him in the face demanding he hand over his mobile phone.
Although he co-operated, he was punched again and the offender demanded his wallet, which he also handed over. The attacker ran towards the bottle banks near Richer Sounds.
He is described as a white male, in his mid-30s and was wearing a black three-quarter length jacket, with collar and lapels. He also wore light tracksuit bottoms and had dark, very short cropped hair, possibly shaven, receding slightly with a widow's peak. His face was thin, clean shaven but with some stubble.
Police are asking witnesses to contact DC Karen Jones on 01244 613133, while witnesses to Monday's attack are asked to contact DC Jason Nelson at Chester CID on 01244 613137. Anyone with information regarding either offence can also contact the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.
