A Bolton man was knocked unconscious and left with a broken nose and damaged eyes in a racially motivated attack involving two groups of men.
The incident, which occurred near Back Cheapside in Bolton town centre on Sunday March 1, saw the male victim and two women approached by three men as they stood by their car.
The three males accused then launched into a violent attack, punching and kicking all three victims, leaving the man unconscious on the ground.
Constable Rick Charlesworth said: “For reasons that are unclear, this man and the two women he was with were set upon by two different groups of men.
“As a result of this savage and unprovoked attack, the man was knocked unconscious, sustained a broken nose and damage to his eye.”
The tirade of abuse continued moments later when a second group of men arrived to the scene.
It was during this physical attack that racist comments were hurled at the three victims.
Police have now released an image of three men (above) they wish to speak to in connection with the attack.
The male suspects from the first group are described as Asian. One was wearing a black top, possibly a shirt, dark blue trousers and black shoes.
The second assailant wore a black jacket with white lining, a red T-shirt or polo shirt, dark blue jeans, black shoes and was possibly wearing a hat.
The third attacker wore a dark T-shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.
Constable Charlesworth continued: “During the second attack, racist and defamatory comments made about the victims ethnicity.
“We now need to find all six men who were involved and we have issued a picture of three men we need to speak to as part of our inquiries. If you recognise any of these men then please call us.
“Alternatively, I want to hear from anyone who witnessed the attacks which happened near the Mawdelsey Street area.
“If you saw what happened, or have any information as to what prompted this attack, then please contact the police.”
Bolton police are appealing to anyone who recognises either of these men, or who witnessed the two assaults, to come forward.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
