A couple from Shropshire were attacked and robbed after a Saturday night out in Manchester’s Gay Village. Peter Snowdon, 41, and Wesley Fellows, 47, well-known interior designers, described their night of terror to the Manchester Evening News after encountering a group of men whom they believe were ‘organised’ criminals operating in the area.
The couple, who have been in a relationship for over two decades, had been enjoying an evening out with friends in Canal Street, an area they have frequented for years and always perceived as a safe haven. The evening took a dark turn upon their encounter with a group of four men lingering around the Auburn Street bridge, adjacent to Canal Street, at approximately 12:30 am Sunday morning.
As the night progressed, and after separating from friends, Peter and Wesley decided to head back to their accommodation at the Dakota Hotel on Ducie Street. It was during this journey, around 2:30 am, that they again noticed the same group of men. Sensing potential danger, the couple altered their route in hopes of avoiding a confrontation.
Despite their cautionary measures, just moments from the safety of their hotel, they fell victim to an abrupt and violent mugging. Wesley, who was wearing a Rolex watch valued at £15,000, became the primary target. The assailants, described as acting with the precision and coordination of a ‘pack of hyenas’, immobilised Peter while forcefully assaulting Wesley, tearing his shirt and removing his shoes before making away with the prized timepiece.
The couple, despite the traumatic experience, managed to reach the hotel where they immediately contacted the police. They recounted witnessing the group harassing others earlier that night, suspecting the men were deliberately selecting potential victims.
The aftermath of the attack saw Peter and Wesley in shock, with physical injuries requiring recovery. Reflecting on the ordeal, Peter speculated on the group’s calculated approach: “It was like an organised operation,” he remarked, indicating the suspects may have been watching and following them since their departure from Canal Street.
Greater Manchester Police are currently investigating the robbery and assault. A police spokesperson confirmed ongoing enquiries yet reported no arrests at the time of the statement. Anyone with further information is urged to contact the police via the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident 552 of 03/11/2024.
The incident has raised concerns among frequenters of Manchester’s Gay Village, a community known for its inclusivity and vibrant nightlife. While the couple is striving to regain normalcy, the attack has undeniably altered their sense of security in a place they once deemed safe.
Source: Noah Wire Services
