A MAN was dragged from his car at a motorway service station and beaten up by a gang of robbers who then drove off in his vehicle.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident at the Bolton West Service Station on the M61 at Anderton.

The 53-year-old Bolton man was on his way to see a grieving relative when he stopped for a short nap after a long day at work.

He was badly beaten and had to have 17 stitches for head wounds after the assault at 2.50am on Thursday, September 2.

The attackers then made off in his red Ford Escort.

PC Neil Lever, of the motorway police criminal investigations unit, said: "The attack was savage and completely unprovoked.

"Independent witnesses said there were at least four men involved in the robbery and have given good descriptions for three of them.

"The victim is now out of hospital and recovering at home."

All the men are white, one of around 6ft 2in and about 16 stone.

One had short blond hair, was clean shaven and around 30-years-old.

The second man was 5ft 7in, around 24 years, very thin with a 'ratty' type face with pointed features.

The final man was 5ft 9in, tall, well built and aged about 20

Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 01772 410465 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.