A SPORTS car owner fought off an attacker who kicked him in the groin to try to steal his car keys.

The 46-year-old man had parked in Danesway, Prestwich at 9.45pm on Thursday, when a man approached him wearing a balaclava and tried to steal the keys to his Lexus car.

Following a scuffle the attacker fled to a waiting car with three other men in balaclavas who were standing nearby. The victim suffered a graze to his upper leg.

Police in Bury have issued a warning to owners of prestige sports cars to be on their guard when parking up following a spate of similar attacks in recent months.

Anyone with information should ring police on 0161 856 8240.