AN appeal has been launched after a 17-year-old was assaulted with a hammer.

The teenager was walking on Manchester Road between Preston City Centre and Avenham on Friday March 26 at approximately 14:15, when he was assaulted by four Asian males, approximately aged between 14 and 18, dressed in black.

The victim was left bleeding with a broken nose and a broken jaw, after being struck to the face with a hammer. The suspects then ran in the direction of Laurel Street.

Forensic examination of items recovered from the scene are being carried out, but we officers would also like to see any CCTV or vehicle dash-cam footage that may be available.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 8032@lancashire.police.uk, regarding log number 0826 of March 26th.

A spokesman said: “This was a serious assault which has left a young victim with substantial injuries. We are confident that forensics and CCTV enquiries will identify those involved, so would urge the offenders to come forward and speak to us.”