POLICE are calling on the Ryelands community to help them catch a gang of dangerous thugs who beat up an innocent man in his own kitchen.

Police say the men behind the motiveless assault are still at large and a danger to people in the area.

The 43 year old man answered a knock at the door of his home on Ryelands Road, Lancaster, at around 2pm on Sunday afternoon.

He was met by two men who asked to speak to 'David Raymond'. The victim did not recognise the name and said nobody of that name lived there.

A group of men then gathered outside and the man returned to his home.

He then answered another knock at the door by the men, who seemed more aggressive and had been using mobile phones.

Concerned for his safety, he tried to slam the door, but the men forced it open, chasing the man into the kitchen, punching him in the face and forcing him to the floor. He was then kicked to the head and upper body.

The man suffered swelling to his left cheek bone, a graze to his forehead, chin and right cheek and a small cut on his left ear.

Det Sgt Mark Salisbury of Lancaster police said: "Enquiries are in hand regarding this incident. We are told that the victim can offer no possible explanation as to why he has been targeted in this way.

"The name asked for by the assailants means absolutely nothing to him at all. We are able to offer no explanation as to why he should have received these injuries."

The first attacker is described as white, 20 to 25 years old with short, dark hair, a chubby face, 5ft 10in tall, of slim build with a local accent. He wore an orange jacket.

The second is also white and 20 to 25 years old, of stocky build with short, dark hair, 5ft 8in tall with a local accent, wearing a green jacket.

A third man was stood in the doorway and is described as white, 20 to 25 years old, of slim build, wearing a blue jacket.

No description has been provided of two other people who stood outside the house.

Det Sgt Salisbury added: "Residents of the Ryelands estate are asked for their assistance in this case.

"While the persons who carried out this crime are at large they pose a risk to anybody.

"From what police enquiries have shown the victims was entirely innocent of any wrongdoing."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lancaster police on 01524 63333.