Two members of a band were robbed as they walked to a pub for a performance in Wigan.

Shortly before 8pm on Saturday, the two men, aged 25 and 35 were walking along Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, on their way to perform at the Queens pub.

The older man was carrying a guitar in a case and his friend was carrying a piece of drum kit, known as a cowbell.

When they were near the car wash on Ormskirk Road, a man approached them and started talking to them and then swung a punch at the 35-year-old.

Both victims then ran and were chased by three men, but the younger man fell over and was punched and kicked while he lay defenceless on the ground.

The assault only stopped when an elderly woman intervened and shouted at them to stop.

The offenders then ran off with the cowbell.

The 25-year-old man suffered facial injuries in the attack.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack to come forward.

Detective Constable John O'Donnell, of Wigan CID, said: "I'd particularly like to hear from the woman who stopped this attack from becoming even worse.

"Ormskirk Road is a busy one and somebody must have seen that attack. Please call us if you saw three men hanging round the car wash before or after the robbery.

"Also, if anyone has any information regarding the property that was stolen, I'd like to hear from you - has anyone tried to sell this item or knows its current whereabouts?"

Anyone with any information should call Wigan CID on 0161 856 7255 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

  • Martin Smith, aged 20, of Greenwood Avenue, Worsley Hall, has been charged with robbery and attempted robbery.

He appeared before Wigan Magistrates' Court on Monday and was remanded in custody to appear before Liverpool Crown Court on March 3.