According to the council, the attack was unprovoked and occurred while staff were carrying out their regular duties.

CCTV footage assessed by the council reportedly revealed that the refuse workers were confronted and attacked by multiple men, including several that were wearing high-visibility jackets.

It is understood that the council staff involved have sustained injuries including broken ribs and loose teeth, the BBC reported.

The incident is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who have voiced their support for public sector workers by reinforcing that violence against them will not be tolerated.

A spokesperson for Rochdale BC said the council is ‘shocked and saddened’ by the event.

‘Our waste operatives deserve respect and should not face any form of abuse while providing a public service. We will continue to assist GMP with their ongoing investigation and to provide support for the affected crew’, they added.

Superintendent Muzemil Kernain, from Rochdale district, said that ‘everyone has right to carry out their duties without fear of harm or harassment’.

He added: ‘Any individual who engages in threatening or violent behaviour will be dealt with swiftly and robustly’ and urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the police.

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