POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an incident in which a man was viciously assaulted and robbed by a gang as he left a car auction in Newton-le-Willows.

The 37-year-old victim, who comes from the Blackburn area, was attacked as he left the McFalls car auction on Rosemary Drive at about 12.45am on Wednesday, May 28.

He was surrounded by the gang, numbering between eight and 10, who then knocked him to the ground, assaulted him and stole £1,000 in cash from his wallet. The attackers then drove off in two cars parked nearby, a red, P-reg Ford Mondeo and an F-reg Peugeot 205.

The victim was later taken to hospital where he was treated for multiple facial injuries including a fractured cheek bone, broken ribs and severe bruising across his body. He was able to give a description of only one of his attackers who was white, about 6ft tall, about 18 stone in weight and heavy set with a muscular build. His hair was short and black and he wore blue jeans and a blue Sergio Tachini tracksuit top.

ANYONE who saw the assault or has any information can contact DC Rennison at St Helens Police on 0151 777 6064 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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