A man was attacked by robbers as he walked down a ginnel in Atherton.

At about 5.30pm on Friday, April 30, the 29-year-old debt collector was collecting money on Freshfield Avenue, Hag Fold, as part of his job.

He walked down a ginnel, which is situated at the bottom of Freshfield Ave and leads out onto Formby Ave, when two men attacked him from behind.

They pushed him to the ground, dragged him along and demanded his coat.

The man gave them his coat but one of the robbers punched him twice in the chest and in the face, cutting his cheek.

It's believed the men ran off towards Freshfield Avenue, leaving the victim on the ground.

A 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed until 11 May 2010, pending further inquiries.

Detective Constable John O'Donnell, based at Wigan Police Station, said: "This man was simply trying to get on with his job when he was attacked and robbed in this horrible way.

"We would like to reassure residents that incidents like this are far from common and Greater Manchester Police is committed to bringing those responsible for crimes like this to justice.

"We're doing all we can to make sure that happens and while we have arrested two people, we are still interested in speaking to anyone who thinks they might know something that would help us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police in Wigan on 0161 856 5308 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.