A VULNERABLE young man with Asperger's Syndrome was robbed and had suspected ammonia thrown in his face in a park yesterday.

Police were called to the scene at Westleigh Park, Westwell Street, Leigh at around 7pm yesterday evening.

There they established that a man in his late teens had been approached by a group of men while sitting on a park bench with his electric scooter in hand who then punched him, threw what police suspect to be ammonia in his face and made off with the scooter.

Detective Inspector Patrick Wood, of GMP Wigan CID, said: "This was an awful attack on a vulnerable man with Asperger's.

"The attack has left him incredibly shaken and I would strongly appeal for anyone with information about this incident, including who the offenders may be or the location of the Xiaomai Electric Scooter, to please contact police as soon as possible.

"This kind of attack is both cowardly and unacceptable and we will be working at pace to find the individuals responsible."

The victim was taken to hospital with minor injuries to his face and has since been discharged.

Officers say that an investigation is ongoing and no arrests have yet been made.

Anyone with any information, including CCTV or dashcam footage from around the park at the time of the incident, can report it online or by using GMP's LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 2503 of 21/12/2021.

Alternatively witnesses can all independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.