A TEENAGER was the victim of an apparently unprovoked attack as he walked home along Longton Lane, Rainhill, late on Friday, June 19.

The 17-year-old boy had been visiting a friend and was passing Longton Lane Primary School at about 11.30pm when he became aware of a light-coloured (possibly yellow) car which drove past him slowly before turning round and pulling up by the side of the road.

A young-looking man then got out of the passenger side and shouted to him but the boy ignored him and tried to walk on. However, the passenger suddely lashed out, hitting him in the face with what appeared to be a knuckleduster and the teenager fell to the ground and temporarily lost consciousness. When he came round, his attacker kicked him before getting back into the car which drove off.

The victim managed to get up and make his way home and was later taken to Whiston Hospital where doctors gave him 10 stitches and treatment for severe bruising to his eyes and face.

He described his attacker as white, between 17 and 19, about 5ft 9ins with a medium build. His hair was short and he wore a dark-coloured Adidas tracksuit top. The driver was white and wore a peak cap.

Anyone with information can contact DC Ged Belger at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6064 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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