A MAN could be scarred for life after suffering horrific facial injuries in a street robbery -- for the sake of £30.

Alan Howarth was left with a fractured jaw and cheekbone as well as several deep cuts to his face, which needed 30 stitches.

The 57-year-old, who works at Manchester Professional Polishers in Whalley Road, Ramsbottom, was on his way home from a night out at his local pub in Bolton when pounced on from behind in an unprovoked assault.

The attacker hit him over the head, knocking him to the ground. Police are not sure whether a weapon was used.

While Mr Howarth lay on the floor, the attacker kicked him in the head and face.

He was found semi-conscious on the footpath at the junction of River Street and Lower Bridgeman Street, half an hour later, at about 11.30pm.

Mr Howarth was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital and later transferred to the specialist facial unit at Blackburn Royal Infirmary. He yesterday underwent surgery on his injuries.

Det Con Simon Murphy, of Bolton CID, said: "This was a vicious and callous attack on a defenceless, middle-aged man.

"He had been drinking with friends, but was not drunk. Mr Howarth was on his way home when someone jumped out of the bushes behind him.

"He was hit over the head and when he fell to the floor, the robber kicked him repeatedly in the face, went through his pockets and stole £30.

"He was discovered by a Good Samaritan who called the police. We think he had been lying on the floor for about half an hour before he was found.

"We are appealing for help from members of the public to help identify his attacker. It happened shortly before 11pm, so there must have been people in the area at the time."

The robber was 5ft 10ins, in his late 20s, with short cropped curly hair with a greyish tint. He wore blue jeans, trainers and a white shiny shirt with black collar.

Mr Howarth was attacked on Saturday night, but police have only just released details. Anyone with information should call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5640 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.