POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an apparently unprovoked attack on a 46-year-old man on Good Friday.

The victim was walking along the East Lancs Road, at Carr Mill, at about 8pm when he was approached by a younger man who asked him for a light.

After saying he didn't have one, he started to walk off but the younger man hit him in the head and he fell to the floor. The attacker then tried to search the victim's pockets but when the older man kicked out, he ran off empty-handed towards Green Leach Lane, leaving the victim dazed.

The attacker is described as white, aged 25 to 30 years, 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall with a stocky build and a tanned complexion. His hair was balding at the front and had been shaved at the sides, he was wearing a red-and-blue top or jacket and spoke with a local accent.

Anyone who can help the police with their inquiries can contact DC Andy Ince at St Helens police station on 0151 777 6064, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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