A GOOD Samaritan who interrupted a vicious attack has been asked to contact police.

The attack happened when a 57-year-old cyclist from Clayton-le-Moors was targeted as he was cycling home along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal tow path, at Church.

As he passed three men who were drinking under the canal bridge, at 1pm on Sunday, one of them grabbed hold of the bike.

The group then started to chant: “You’re going in”, forcing the cyclist to get off his bike and use it as a shield to protect himself.

One of the group punched him in the face causing him to fall to the floor before another kicked and punched him in the head and back.

The attack was only interrupted when a man on a motorcross bike approached the group, causing all three attackers to run off.

The injured man then made his way home and was later treated in hospital for cuts and bruises.

Police Constable Rachel Pilkington said: “We are particularly keen to speak with the man who went over to assist as he may be able to help us identify the people responsible.

“This was completely unprovoked attack on an innocent man who was on his way home after an afternoon bike ride.

"Fortunately the man was wearing a cycle helmet and a rucksack which took most of the impact, although he and his family have been left extremely traumatised by the ordeal.”

Two of the men who carried out the attack are described as white, slim, 17 years-old.

One of the men was 5ft 8ins and had short mousey brown hair.

He was wearing a plain round neck cream or beige sweater and blue jeans.

The second man was 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a dark jumper and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.