POLICE are appealing for help after a 51-year-old man and his son were attacked and beaten on their way home from a night out.

They were walking along Owen Road, close to Skerton High School, just after 11.30pm on Saturday night when they were 'ambushed' by a group of between 15 and 20 youths in what police describe as a totally unprovoked attack.

The man was punched to the floor, while his son was knocked into the road and kicked in the face.

Both were taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary but released after treatment, although the 19-year-old has been referred to a facial injury surgeon because of nerve damage.

Detective Sergeant Mark Salisbury, of Lancaster CID, says: "This was a nasty, unprovoked attack.

"The man and his son were just making their way home and were in no position to defend themselves against such a large group. This sort of attack is nothing but cowardly.

"I would directly ask anyone who knows anything about this incident, or knows who the culprits are, to contact police as a priority."

The attackers are all described as teenagers wearing hooded tops.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Kate Jibaud on 01524-63333 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.