Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident, which happened just before 3pm Monday 5 May 2008.

The woman was walking down St Mary's Way, Leigh, with her teenage son, when a group of six teenagers approached her and started to racially abuse them.

The victim challenged the main offender who responded by burning the woman's lip with a cigarette. The group continued to shout racist abuse until the woman walked home and contacted police.

The main offender is described as white, with a slim build and dark brown hair and he was wearing black sports clothing.

The other boy was described as white of slim build with black hair. He was wearing a black stripy top and dark coloured trousers.

The girls were described as 17 to 18 years old all wearing casual clothing. Two had blonde hair and a third girl had red hair.

There is no description of the sixth offender.

Police constable Nick Chisnall of Leigh police station said: "This was a completely unprovoked and vicious attack on a woman and her son.

"These small minded people need to be held accountable for their actions and this kind of racist behaviour will not be tolerated, so if anyone has any information please get in touch."

If anyone has any information please contact the police on 0161 856 7229 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.