A SHOCKING video has emerged appearing to show a group of youngsters launching an unprovoked spray attack on a homeless man using a fire extinguisher.

In the video, which was filmed by the gang, a hooded youth is seen holding the powder extinguisher near the entrance of McDonald's in Knowsley Street, near where the homeless man is sitting.

Egged on by his friends, he sprays the side of the shop before turning it on the man and engulfing him with white powder.

The youth then drops the fire extinguisher and runs off laughing with his friends.

Chris Hayden, who witnessed the attack, which happened at about 9pm on Tuesday, described it as "disgusting".

He said: "I was walking past McDonald's when I saw a group of young lads walking past with the fire extinguisher. I heard it go off behind me and as I turned around there was a big plume of white dust everywhere.

"The guy walked off so I followed him to make sure he was okay, but then he returned to his spot where members of McDonald's staff offered for him to use napkins and the toilet facilities.

"He headed off after that — I don't think he wanted the fuss.

"I am so angry this has happened again. It is disgusting that anyone would do something like that to a man minding his own business."

Billa Ahmed, who runs Help the Homeless and Needy in Bolton and Manchester, came to the man's aid by getting him some eye wash and is now appealing for new clothing.

He said: "This has to stop. It is the second time a homeless person has been attacked like this. He could have been blinded.

"He was completely covered in powder and his clothes were ruined. It's not like he could go home and change and have a shower."

A police spokesman said officers are investigating the matter by looking at CCTV — but as yet, no arrests have been made.

GMP Bolton Central posted on their Facebook page: “Thank you for bringing to our attention the incident outside McDonald's in Bolton town centre last night involving an innocent member of the public.

“Rest assured this is under investigation, officers are making enquiries and if you have any further information please contact 0161 8565619.”

The fire extinguisher attack is the third incident involving homeless people in Bolton in the last few months.

Last month Vinny Green, aged 50, was attacked in Knowsley Street near the Fred Dibnah statue by two men, leaving him with a blood clot on his brain that had to be removed.

In March, a teenager set fire to the possessions of a homeless man who was living under a bridge at the junction of Rupert Street and Liver Edge Lane in Great Lever.