Shocking CCTV footage shows three balaclava-wearing thugs patrolling around Leigh, Greater Manchester, before they spot their innocent target.
A gang of thieves are seen in horror CCTV footage chasing down a victim on e-bikes before hacking him with a machete. Shocking video shows three balaclava-wearing thugs patrolling around Leigh, Greater Manchester, before they spot their innocent target.
The robbers chase down the rider – who was wearing an orange coat – wanting to steal the Surron electric bike he was riding on April 17, 2025.
In an attempt to escape the victim rides to his home on Melrose Avenue but can be seen slamming into a wall outside after failing to stop. One of the thugs can be heard shouting “grab him now” as the victim attempts to escape, but he is punched to the ground.
Another then pulls out a machete and repeatedly strikes the man while he screams “no” while attempting to hold onto his bike. The victim suffered serious injuries during the attack including a severe laceration to his thumb and cuts to his face, before the offenders stole the bike and fled.
Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation into the incident, and one of the thieves was later identified as 20-year-old Kade Cox.
It was later revealed that he was part of a string of three other incidents between April and July 2025, all involving the theft or attempted theft of motorbikes and electric bikes.
They include on June 4 2025 three offenders targeted a shed in Leigh and stole two motorbikes worth thousands of pounds.
July 19 2025 offenders broke into a garage in Tyldesley and stole three bikes including a Honda motorbike and an electric bike.
July 25 2025 three offenders forced entry to a garage in Leigh however left empty-handed when they realised there were no motorbikes inside.
Officers were able to link him through extensive CCTV and telecommunications enquiries including social media scanning and mobile phone evidence.
Cox, of Walker Road, Salford, was arrested and charged with robbery, burglary with intent to steal and 2 counts of burglary where bikes were stolen during both incidents.
He was sentenced to 10 years at Bolton Crown Court on Monday August 17 after pleading guilty to the offences.
Due to the severity of the April incident, it was noted he would need to serve at least 7.5 years in custody before he can be released.
Senior investigating officer PC Richard Kelsall of Wigan’s neighbourhood team said: “This was a horrific attack which left a victim with significant injuries.
“Kade Cox alongside two others looked to incite fear and violence through any means possible just so they could steal an electric bike. This was a sustained and targeted series of thefts and burglaries, one of which left a victim with significant injuries.
“I would particularly like to note the courage of the victim who has bravely supported this investigation and continued to do so throughout sentencing.
“This was a sustained and targeted series of thefts and burglaries, one of which left a victim with significant injuries. Through extensive CCTV enquiries, officers were able to link four separate offences and identified Cox as being involved throughout.
“We hope this sentence demonstrates our determination to pursue offenders who target our communities and commit violent offences for their own personal gain.”