A GOOD Samaritan was hit in the face with a lump hammer after he confronted thieves outside his home.

The 43-year-old man suffered minor facial injuries when he was attacked by the three men. He was kicked and punched about the body before one of his attackers went to a car and returned with the rubber lump hammer.

The attack happened at 8pm yesterday in Wash Lane, Bury, after the victim -- who has not been identified -- saw three men trying to steal the number plates from his neighbour's Ford Granada car. He then went out to confront them.

The injured man was taken to Fairfield General Hospital where he received treatment to a cut above his right eye and bruising on his right cheek. He was later allowed to return home.

Det Sgt Duncan Heywood, of Bury Police, said: "What is particularly disturbing about this incident is the fact that, despite having already beaten the victim, one of the offenders went away only to return with a weapon."

Anyone who saw the attack should contact Bury CID on 0161 856 8150.