Police are hunting a gang of thugs who brutally attacked a man outside a takeaway before stealing his car and wedding ring.

Officers said the 35-year-old victim was leaving the Golden Apple on Avenue Parade in Accrington when he was approached by three men who asked him for his keys.

They then punched him to the face causing him to fall to the floor and then repeatedly kicked him in the chest leaving him with bruising and a hairline fracture to his ribs.

The gang then stole his wedding ring, Samsung mobile phone, an MP3 player and £20 before driving off in his green Citroen Saxo car that was parked on the street nearby.

Lancashire Police said they are studying local CCTV and have made house to house enquiries as part of their investigation.

The robbery happened shortly before 9pm on Sunday, January 3 and the men were described as wearing hoodies and dark trousers.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “Police are appealing to anybody who was in the vicinity of Avenue Parade and Pembroke Street in Accrington at the time and saw anything suspicious or a dark green Saxo acting suspiciously, to come forward.

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 1167 of January 3.”