A man suffered serious injuries when he was assaulted while out running.

Shortly before 9.50pm last night, Thursday, police were called to a house on Manchester Road, Tyldesley, following reports a man had been assaulted.

Officers attended and discovered a 31-year-old man with serious facial injuries. He has been taken to hospital for treatment and remains in a stable condition.

The victim frequently runs along the course of the former Leigh-Tyldesley railway line parallel to Manchester Road.

While running along that route near to Upton Lane he was set upon and seriously assaulted.

It is unknown how many offenders were involved.

He made his way home and emergency services were called.

Detective Sergeant Paul Rollinson, said: “The man was set upon and violently assaulted while out jogging and I want anyone with information to come forward.

“He is receiving treatment in hospital and is yet to provide a full and detailed account of what happened.

“I would not like to speculate on the reason for this assault at such an early stage in the investigation, however local residents can be reassured that due to the level of violence used we believe this is more likely to have been a targeted attack as opposed to an indiscriminate assault on a random member of the public.

“If anyone was in the general area last night and saw someone out jogging or a number of people lurking around or fleeing the area please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5307, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.