A MOTORIST was attacked with a baseball bat on the forecourt of a petrol station in front of other customers.

The 19-year-old victim was left with what police described as “serious facial injuries” following the assault at the BP filling station in Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge.

One witness said the assailant appeared “angry”.

He said: “The attacker followed the victim after an egg-throwing prank and attacked him.

“He chased him all the way from his house and as the victim was getting into his car the attacker hit him over the head and face using a baseball bat. The police and ambulance were called to the scene and the victim is currently in Royal Bolton Hospital with jaw and head injuries.”

Police confirmed the incident took place at shortly after 6pm on Friday when officers were called to “reports of a man being attacked with a baseball bat”.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and has been bailed until February 24.