A LANCASTER man walking home from a quiet night out suffered a brutal, unprovoked attack which left him unconscious and hospitalised for three days.

Father-of-three Andrew Hill, 38, had enjoyed a drink with a friend in the Boot and Shoe pub, Scotforth, but was beaten up by young men who shouted abuse at him as he returned home.

The attack, shortly after midnight on Saturday, left Mr Hill with severe cuts and bruising. He does not remember the attack.

He does not know how long it will be before he can return to work at Chris Hill and Sons, the building firm in which he is a partner.

"I think they are scumbags," said Mr Hill this week: "It could have so easily gone even more wrong - mainly for me, but for them as well. They could have been up on a manslaughter charge."

Mr Hill left the pub at around 11.30pm and set off home. He and his friend saw a group of youths close to the Bargain Booze store on Lentworth Drive and had a minor disagreement with them.

After saying good bye to his friend, he continued up Lentworth Drive and, 50 or 60 yards from the corner with Barton Road, he saw the group of youths crossing the road towards him.

"The next thing I remember is regaining consciousness on Barton Road, about 120 yards away," Mr Hill recalls.

"I don't know how I got there or how long it took. I could feel the blood running down me. "I never felt the first punch or saw anything coming - I think it is quite fortunate I was unconscious."

Mr Hill was found by a couple returning from a night out.

Police are asking for help from the public, and are keen to trace the driver of a car - possibly a Nissan Sunny - seen in the area.

One line of enquiry being followed is that the attackers may have left a party on Hala Road.

The attackers are described as youths, aged 15 to 18. One man has been released on police bail after questioning.

Det Sgt Andy Webster, of Lancaster CID, says: "As this offence was carried out by youths, it is likely that their peer group will be talking about it. We would ask them to come forward with any information.

"We would also ask parents to help. Where were their children on Saturday night? Did they come in with blood on their clothing?

"We have to ask the community to assist us - they can speak to us in confidence."

Police say they are growing increasingly concerned about crimes involving teenagers in the normally quiet south Lancaster area. Patrols are to be increased.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 01524 596641 or the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.