Two men were viciously attacked by a group of thugs in Bury.

A 40-year-old man was walking home on Tottington Road, Bury, when he saw a 32-year-old man being attacked by a group of about six youths at around 12.45am on Sunday.

The man was being attacked with broken bottles and he was also punched in the head a number of times.

The group then saw the 40-year-old man close by and followed him as he walked home. He was concerned for his safety so called his wife to say he thought he might get attacked.

As he got to Stewart Street, one of the group walked up to the victim and said, 'You're having it'. Together with the rest of the group they attacked the victim, throwing bottles at him and kicking his head and body.

A woman driving past saw the assault taking place, so drove towards the group, hoping it would scare them away.

One of the youths threw a bottle at her car but they eventually ran off.

The 40-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment to large wounds on his head.

The 32-year-old man suffered bruising.

The offenders were described as white youths, all wearing hooded tops with scarves over their faces.

Detective Inspector Sarah Jackson of Bury CID said: "It appears as if this gang of youths were simply looking for trouble as the victims don't know them.

"Because of these vicious thugs, one man has had to have staples put in his head, and it would appear the only thing he did wrong was to be close by when they attacked another defenceless man.

"I am sure no one in our community would want such troublemakers to walk the streets so I would urge anyone who knows who was responsible for this attack, or if you witnessed either assault, to please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8150 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111