AN up-and-coming musician was attacked by a gang and 'left for dead' in the street hours after performing at Warrington Music Festival.

Joe Johnson and his band Scholar played a set as part of the free Old Market Place festival on the afternoon of Sunday, May 5.

But in the early hours of the following morning, he was punched, kicked and stamped on by multiple attackers outside a town centre nightclub.

The 22-year-old, from Burtonwood, was found unconscious in an alleyway off Friars Gate following the 'vicious assault' near to Reef bar.

Warrington Guardian:

Scholar bassist Joe Johnson was attacked outside Reef bar on Bridge Street - picture by Google Maps

His mum Clare said: "He was out with his bandmates in the evening, and he was kicked, punched and stamped on.

"His head hit the kerb and he was knocked out.

"While he was knocked out, they stood on his face and broke two of his teeth.

"It's not nice – he's never been in any trouble and he's never had a fight, he's a good lad."

Bass player Joe was also left with swelling to the face following the attack.

Warrington Guardian:

Joe's injuries

The IT technician was let out of hospital the same day but then readmitted due to an infection.

Thankfully, he is now making a good recovery.

But Clare is urging anyone who witnessed the assault to come forward, with several videos showing the incident having circulated on social media.

She added: "We've had a bit of a rough time, but thankfully he's improving.

"But that's not the point, because he was left for dead.

"You'd like to think that he would feel safe going out in Warrington, but I can't believe what's been going on this year with the amount of assaults we've heard about.

"It's horrendous, and I want them caught to get them off the street before someone is killed.

Warrington Guardian:

Joe and mum Clare

"People know who this was, but they're protecting them because they're frightened.

"This needs to stop before someone is killed in our town."

Officers believe the offender was a white male who was wearing a black T-shirt and a gilet.

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Police constable Andrew Pringle said: “The victim was assaulted on a night out and sustained head injuries that required hospital treatment.

“The incident has understandably left him shaken up and we are determined to establish who assaulted him and make them face the consequences of their actions.

“Enquiries are ongoing, and as part of our investigation we are appealing for anyone who was in Warrington town centre and witnessed the incident to come forward.

“We also want to speak to anyone who believes they may know who assaulted the victim or have CCTV or mobile phone footage of him.”

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police, quoting incident number IML393547, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.