THUGS kicked and punched a young father in front of his terrified young son as they fed some ducks at a pond in Sutton Manor.

The incident happened at 2.30pm on Monday, September 4 as the 28-year-old man and his seven-year-old son wandered around the pond at the former colliery site.

The man heard motorbikes approaching and looked round to see two pull up by the pond. He ignored them but he then felt a blow to the back of his head which knocked him to the ground. He shouted at his son to run home but the child was too afraid and his father was then kicked in the face and ribs.

The victim needed stitches his lip and head at Whiston Hospital. However, other than describing the man who spoke as having a local accent, he was unable to describe his attackers.

Anyone with information on this incident can contact DC Keith Hill at St Helens CID office on 0151 777 6064 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.