A MAN was knocked unconscious after he was hit by an object thrown from a passing car.

The man in his 50s was among three people hurt in four incidents across St Helens reported to the police last night (Thursday, July 10).

Officers were first called to Main Street in Billinge at around 7pm following reports that a man was lying unconscious on the pavement.

It is believed that a small object was thrown at the victim from a moving silver Vauxhall Astra.

Paramedics were called and found a small puncture wound to the side of his head.

He was taken to hospital but his condition is not believed to be serious.

Police were then called at around 7.10pm to College Street in the town centre after reports that small objects had been thrown at two youngsters walking along the street.

One of the youths aged 15, suffered a facial injury and needed hospital treatment.

Just over two hours later a person called police saying something had been thrown at them while walking along Church Road in Haydock. They were unharmed.

Officers then received a further report of a boy being struck with an object thrown from a silver Vauxhall Astra whilst walking along Crow Lane East in Newton-le-Willows at about 10.15pm. The victim suffered a bruise to his face following the incident.

It is believed all four incidents are linked.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about these incidents or anyone who saw a silver Vauxhall Astra driving erratically in the area at the time to call police.

Detective Sergeant Jackie Guinness said: "Three people have been left with visible injuries following these incidents, some requiring hospital treatment. At this stage of the investigation we believe two young men, with short dark hair, have been driving around and firing objects from the car at people in the street.

"This kind of reckless behaviour will not be tolerated by Merseyside Police and I am sure the local community will agree this is completely unacceptable. It's really fortunate that the actions of these two people has not resulted in more serious injury as they appear to have been throwing things indiscriminately at members of the public.

"I would like to reassure the community that incidents of this nature are rare and patrols in the area have been increased. We are determined to find the people responsible for these incidents and would appeal to anyone with information to call us. In particular, if anyone saw two people in a silver Astra acting suspiciously at the time of these incidents, please let us know, and we will look into all information provided."

Call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 6802 or 0151 777 6013 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111