A COUPLE were left in hospital after a man drove at them as they walked to the cinema in Ashton.

Police have now released details of how shortly after 6.20pm on Sunday, October 7, they were called to reports of a collision between two pedestrians and a silver Nissan Micra on Richmond Street.

The pedestrians – a 44-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman – were walking along the pavement towards the cinema when they were approached by a man in a parked car who offered to sell them drugs.

The couple declined and continued to walk along the road before the car mounted the pavement and struck them before driving off towards Sainsbury’s.

The victims were taken to hospital for treatment for severe bruising and cuts.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on Monday, October 8 on suspicion of assault. He has been released under investigation.

The Nissan Micra was also recovered on October 8 in Dean Street in Ashton.

Det Const Darren Byrne, of GMP’s Tameside borough, said: “An innocent couple who were simply enjoying their Sunday evening and hoping to watch a film ended up in hospital requiring treatment and we’re working hard to find out exactly what happened.

“Thankfully the couple are recovering from their ordeal at home but we need to find those responsible for this horrendous attack.

“We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information or dash-cam footage to please get in touch.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 1826 of 07/10/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.