Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault on a man in Leigh.

The 35-year-old was walking from a bus stop in Rochford Corner and along Rayleigh Road toward Walters Close at 7.30pm on Friday, June 29.

Three teenage boys approached him and punched him. He was also hit with a belt.

Three members of the public attempted to intervene and the suspects left the scene, going back toward Rochford Corner and to a park nearby.

The victim suffered bruising and a nosebleed.

Investigating officer PC Jade Cooper said: “I am keen to trace the members of the public who stopped to help the victim as they may have information that could assist in finding those responsible for this nasty attack.

“I’d also like to speak to any other witnesses who were in the area at the time but have yet to come forward, or anyone with CCTV or mobile phone footage of the incident.”

All three suspects were described as being white, aged in his late teens, around 5ft 7ins tall and of slim build.

One was holding a belt and wore grey trousers, black trainers, a white T-shirt, black jacket, and a black cap.

A second had short dark hair, wore dark trousers and white trainers. He was not wearing a top and carried a dark rucksack.

The third suspect had dark short hair and wore black trousers and a black hoodie with a grey lining. He had a black bag and rode a white mountain bike.

Contact PC Cooper in the Southend Local Policing Team on 101 quoting reference 42/91877/18.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org