A MAN was left with a bloodied nose after he was the victim of a savage car-jacking.

The 26-year-old man was attacked as he sat in the passenger seat of a Volkswagen Golf on the car park of the Talbot pub on Atherleigh Way, Atherton, at about 8.30pm on September 9.

The man was sat in the passenger seat alone and the car engine was running with the keys in the ignition.

Two masked men wearing balaclavas approached the car, one of whom opened the driver's door and punched the man in the face.

The other then ripped open the passenger door and punched the victim to the ground.

Both men then drove off in the car, which has not yet been recovered, with the victim's Samsung Galaxy 5.

The man did not require any hospital treatment.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward. The first offender is described as being of a heavy build, wearing dark clothing and spoke with a local accent. Both criminals were wearing balaclavas.

Det Con Brian Johnston said: "This man was left extremely startled and frightened to be confronted by two masked men who launched into an unprovoked attack and pulled him from the car.

"Although his physical injuries were relatively minor, he was very shaken up.

"We need to find the culprits and we would appeal to anyone with information to help us.

“In particular, I would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the attack in the car park or perhaps saw two masked men lurking around the area.

"The stolen VW Golf has not yet been recovered so I would also ask people to be on the look-out for the whereabouts of a dark-coloured VW Golf, either abandoned or being driven erratically, in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7292 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.