A TEENAGER was repeatedly punched and kicked and his friend hit in the face by thugs as they walked home in Hindley.

A 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old woman were walking along Market Street after buying some food from a takeaway at around 11.45pm on July 31.

As they walked with two friends, they were approached by three men, one of whom demanded the food.

The boy handed it over but when the woman intervened and told him not to, she was punched in the face.

Another member of the group asked the boy for a cigarette and when he said he did not smoke, he was repeatedly punched and kicked.

All three of the offenders then walked off down Atherton Road.

One is described as being in his late teens, 5ft 4in tall, of slim build, had dark blonde hair and wore a grey tracksuit top.

Another was 6ft tall, in his early 20s, of stocky build and wore a black and blue Mackenzie hooded jacket.

The third was in his late teens, 5ft 6in tall, of stocky build, had short blonde hair and wore a light blue polo shirt and shorts.

Police Con Chris Waddicar said: “The offenders were blatantly looking for an excuse to cause trouble and assault someone.

“When the woman tried to stop the food being taken she was assaulted for her trouble and the boy was repeatedly punched because he did not smoke.

“I would ask anyone who may have been driving or walking in the area at the time of the assault to think back. Do you remember seeing the attack happen or anyone fitting the descriptions given? If you do, please call us.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 6383 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.