A WELL-known Bolton chef has told of his role in chasing away a group of muggers attacking a teenage boy.

Alain Job, who runs Cameroonian food stall Nkono, in Bolton Market, was on his way home when he witnessed the assault on student Jack Hyde.

The 17-year-old was knocked unconscious and left with serious bruises around his face and a large gash on his head before the attackers stole items from his pockets.

Mr Job was heading for Bolton Railway Station when he spotted the shocking incident happening close to Home Bargains in Newport Street.

He told of what he saw, describing the attackers as boys aged between 13 and 15 and all wearing black hooded tops.

“It was about 6.10pm and I was going to take the train back home when I saw it,” he explained.

“The boy was about 20 steps away from me and he was walking away from the Interchange.

“Then I saw some other young lads. At first I thought they were just youngsters playing rough but then they rammed into him from the back.

“He fell to the ground and I saw one of them punch him and then when he was lying on the floor he kicked him.”

Following the assault, the muggers stole Mr Hyde’s wallet, headphones and his iPhone which was fortunately later found discarded in the street.

The youngster was taken to hospital and treated for his injuries before being allowed to go home but he remembers almost nothing of the incident.

Mr Job said he was shocked about the brutal attack and could not believe it was happening in the street while people were still walking by.

He added: “I saw two other young lads come over and they were trying to check his pockets. That was when started shouting and saying ‘what the hell do you think you are doing?’

“They stopped and ran away straight back towards the interchange.

“There was a group of more young guys over there and they spoke to each other and then all ran away together.”

Anyone with information on the attack can contact police online at www.gmp.police.uk or call 101.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously, call a representative from for Gthe independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.