The 30-year-old victim has undergone hospital treatment after suffering the agonising injury in what officers say was a completely unprovoked attack.

They today appealed for witnesses to the assault which happened while the victim was walking along North Lane in Tyldesley on the evening of Saturday, September 13.

It was between 8.45pm and 9pm when the man saw a group of youths, one of whom approached him to ask him for a cigarette. But he told the teenager he did not have any and continued on his way.
But moments later, he felt a blow to the side of his head as someone ran up from behind him and struck him. The blow knocked him to the ground.

While he lay defenceless on the ground, he was kicked in the head.
The victim suffered a fractured jaw and is now recovering at home.
He has not been able to describe his attacker, but believes it may have been one of the youths.

PC Wendy Potter, of Wigan Police Station, said: "This was an unprovoked and senseless attack on an innocent man who was going about his business. I would appeal to anyone that may have witnessed the assault to come forward.

"I would also like to appeal directly to that group of youths. It may be you had nothing to do with the attack, but may have seen it. Maybe you know who's done this and I'd urge you to do the right thing and call us."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on (0161) 856 7040 or Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555111.