A MAN was attacked by a gang as he attempted to withdraw money from a cash machine in Widnes town centre.

The 20-year-old was assaulted by a group of men as he was using an ATM outside Barclays bank at the junction of Albert Road and Ross Street at around 11pm on September 29.

They stole his wallet and the victim was left with serious facial injuries.

He was taken to Whiston Hospital via an ambulance.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing but a 17-year-old boy from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of robbery in relation to the incident.

He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

DI Ian Whiley said: “This was a vicious assault and robbery that has left the victim with serious facial injuries.

“We are determined to catch the offenders and bring them to justice and I urge anyone who witnessed the incident, believes they may know the identities of any of the males involved or has any other information that may aid our ongoing investigation to get in touch.

“We want to hear from people who used the cash machines outside the Barclays bank between 10.50pm and 11.10pm on the night of the incident.

“We also want to speak to anyone who assisted the victim after he was attacked as well as anyone who was driving in the town centre that night and believes they may have dashcam footage that could help our investigation.

“I would also like to reassure the community that this is believed to be an isolated attack and incidents such as this are rare.

“We have increased night-time patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns should speak to an officer.”

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 198795, give the details via cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

To submit dashcam footage go online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.