AN Iraqi asylum seeker needed stitches to facial wounds after he was attacked early on Monday (Nov 27).

The 26-year-old, who has been living in the Bury area since fleeing from his native country in January, suffered cuts to his cheek and forehead in the attack.

The man was walking at the rear of the Iceland store off Rochdale Road, Bury, at 1.15am when he was approached by three men who asked him for a cigarette light.

According to police, the Iraqi was asked where he came from and was then assaulted by the white men.

The asylum seeker was taken to Bury General Hospital for treatment to his wounds.

An appeal has been launched by detectives in Bury for any witnesses to the attack.