A HOMELESS man was "brutally" attacked while sleeping on a bench.

The victim was sleeping rough on a bench just off Centenary Way near the Leeds and Liverpool Canal when he has been approached by a group of men in the early hours of the morning on May 28.

Police said the men laughed at the 29-year-old and one of the group kicked him, knocking him unconscious. He was left with a broken nose, a cut above his eye and concussion.

Officers described the assault as "brutal" and "particularly callous" and have launched an appeal to find the suspects.

PC Mohammed Shamas said: “This was a brutal attack on a man who was simply trying to get some rest on a bench for the night.

“What was particularly callous was the way this group have laughed at the man before one of them assaulted him to the point of knocking him unconscious.

“If you saw anyone in the area at the time or you have any information that you think could assist us with our investigation, please get in touch.”

You can email 5352@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or ring101, quoting crime reference EF1808408.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.