A MAN was hospitalised after a "nasty attack" by a group who he approached after he saw them acting suspiciously.

The 51-year-old man was kicked and punched to the head and torso by a group of three men on Brackenwood Grove, Whiston on Monday at around 5.50pm.

He sustained a broken nose in the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The offenders are described as being three white men in their early 20s.

One of the men is described as being approximately 5ft 8in-5ft 10in with short dark hair.

He was wearing a dark bubble coat and dark clothing.

The other two men are described as appearing slightly older than the first offender, around 6ft tall, one with lighter hair, and both wearing dark jackets.

It is believed they left the scene on foot in the direction of Copperwood Drive and Driveway.

Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing in the area. CCTV is being examined, house to house enquiries are being carried out and witnesses are being sought.

High visibility patrols will also be stepped up in the area.

Detective Constable Roy Waller said: "This was a particularly nasty attack on the victim who was hospitalised as a result. I'm sure the local community would agree that the people responsible for such an attack need to be brought to justice.

"We are asking anyone who may have seen men matching the descriptions of the three offenders on Monday evening, or who witnessed the assault itself, to contact police. Any information, however small you think it may be, could prove vital to our investigation."

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact 0151 777 6225 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.