A POLICE appeal has been launched after a man was attacked by two balaclava-wearing thugs at Manvers Lake.

On Saturday, August 20, it’s reported a 32-year-old man went for a walk around the lake in Wath-upon-Dearne between 5.55pm and 6.15pm.

He sat down for a rest and was approached by a group of seven men - two of whom are reported to have assaulted the victim, kicking him in the back and forcing him into the shallow water.

A police spokesperson said: “The group are believed to have been shouting aggressively at the victim, with one suspect punching him as he tried to stand up.

“He shouted ‘police’ and the group fled the scene.

“Two of the suspects are reported to have left the scene on electric bicycles.

“The suspects are described as white, between the ages of 20 and 30 years old, and were wearing dark clothing hooded jumpers, zipped jackets and jogging bottoms.

“The suspects are also understood to have worn balaclavas.

“Were you in the area around Manvers Lake last Saturday evening?

“Did you witness the assault or the suspects described?

“If you have any information, please contact us via live chat, our online portal or by calling 101, quoting incident number 828 of August 20, 2022.

“You can access the online portal and live chat here: www.southyorks.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.”