A GANG of thugs who acted like “wild animals” when they attacked a man who was helping his poorly friend is being hunted by police.

The 20-year-old victim had been enjoying a night out with friends at the Siberia nightclub, in The Rock, when the three men struck.

He was calling an ambulance for a pal who was having a panic attack in the street when the trio demanded his mobile phone.

When the victim refused to hand it over, the gang started kicking and punching him in the head and chest before stealing the LG viewty mobile and fleeing.

The victim needed an operation to correct a hip injury following the incident, which took place at about 2.40am on August 6.

Police have now released a CCTV image of three men they are tracing in connection with the assault.

PC Brett Grange, from Bury’s Volume Crime Team, said: “This was an absolutely sickening attack on a young man who was trying to help his friend.

“These three men were described by some witnesses as attacking him like a pack of wild animals and the victim was fortunate his injuries were not worse, as we have all seen just how devastating violent crime can be.

“This sort of town centre violence gives people who go out to enjoy a night out safely and sensibly a bad name, and I would appeal to anyone who recognises the men in the picture to come forward so we can find those responsible and send a message that we will pursue violent criminals.”

Anyone with information should call Bury police on 0161 856 9899 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.