A MAN was attacked after confronting three men who were behaving suspiciously outside his home.

Police said the trio fled the scene in a stolen car, which was later found burnt out nearby.

The incident in Belmont Road, Belmont, at 7pm on Tuesday, left the 54-year-old resident with facial injuries.

He was not badly hurt, but police said they are now hunting the three men in connection with the assault.

Police said the dark blue Mazda that the gang were using had been stolen earlier in Manchester and was using fake plates during the incident.

It was found abandoned and set on fire further down Belthorn Road, near Haslingden Road.

A police spokesman said the three men were seen outside the address before the 54-year-old resident went outside to investigate.

Police said he was then hit in the face by one of the gang, before they jumped in the Mazda and sped off.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.