A WOMAN in her 50s was hit in the chest as she attempted to come to her son's rescue while he was being attacked by a group of teenagers.

Her son, who is in his 30s, suffered with facial injuries in a "cowardly attack" by a group of boys and girls on Higher Street in Fingerpost.

Shortly before 9pm on Saturday (January 6), the man was walking to his car on Higher Parr Street when he was approached by a large group of teenage boys and girls.

He was subjected to an "unprovoked" assault, in which he was left with injuries to his face.

The victim’s mum, a woman in her 50s came to attempt to assist her son and was also hit in the chest by one of the boys.

The victim’s car was also damaged during the incident.

The suspects are described as teenagers, with a number of them wearing hooded tracksuit tops.

CCTV and witness enquiries have been ongoing and detectives want to speak to anyone who may have information.

The victim is currently not co-operating with police.

St Helens Community Inspector, Matt Drennan said: "This was an unprovoked attack on two people who were going about their business. For a group to attack in such a way is cowardly and we are determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“At this stage the victim is not co-operating with our enquiries so I would urge anyone that may have seen anything suspicious in the area, or heard any information following the incident to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 0518207555 or you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.