A man was left with a broken nose and cheekbone after being attacked by a gang of youths in Tyldesley.

The 54-year-old man sustained the injuries, which also included a cut above his left eye that needed stitches, bruising and damage to his teeth, after being assaulted in an alley between Lancaster Avenue and the Home Ground pub on Shakerley estate.

The man was making his way home after a night out with friends in Atherton town centre when he passed a group of about six men aged between 15 and 20 years old near to the Home Ground pub.

One member of the group shouted: "Give us your cigs!" but the victim refused and continued to walk along Lancaster Road. Fearing something might happen, the victim started to walk quicker and turned into the alley.

He was followed by the gang who jumped him from behind. The victim's next memory is lying on the ground in pain. He discovered his car and house keys had been stolen as well as £4 in loose change.

He needed hospital treatment at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the attack which happened between 2am and 2.45am on last Saturday.

Detective Constable John O'Donnell, from the Wigan division Volume Crime Unit, said: "This was a cowardly, unprovoked attack by a group of men who jumped the victim for what seems like no other reason than for kicks.

"This sort of violence sickens me and innocent members of the public should not have to feel intimidated when they are walking the streets of our community. It is these sorts of yobs who give young people a bad name.

"We strive to put as many officers and PCSOs onto the streets as possible to provide a visible presence and we will take robust action against those who commit these sorts of appalling crimes.

"That is why we need the public's help to identify the culprits. If you have any information about this attack, please come forward. I would also urge parents to think: 'What was my child doing at that time?' If you do suspect someone was involved, do the right thing and call us because next time the injuries could be worse."

Anyone with information should call the Wigan Volume Crime Unit on 0161 856 5308 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.