POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a brutal, apparently unprovoked assault which left a garage forcourt attendant requiring hospital treatment for multiple injuries.

The victim was sweeping the forecourt of the Texaco garage on St Helens Linkway at about 8am on Friday, January 5 when a G-registered, blue Ford Orion drew up and three men -- one wieldlng a wheel brace -- jumped out. Without a word, they started punching and kicking the attendant then ran back to the car and drove away without stealing anything.

The 27-year-old attendant needed treatment for cuts and bruising to his face, eye, neck and legs

His attackers were white and aged between 20 and 30. The tallest was about 6ft 2ins and well-built with short, black hair and a black beard. The second was slightly shorter but equally well-built with black hair which was quite long at the back. The third man was shorter than the other two.

Police believe there were a number of witnesses to the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact DC Andy Ince at St Helens CID office on 0151 777 6064 or the Crimestoppers hot-line on 0800 555 111.