A RETIRED headteacher and his two sons who were assaulted as they left a Bolton Wanderers match have slammed police actions.

Andrew Smith, aged 57 and his sons William, aged 21 and Andrew, aged 24 were making their way from the match against Everton on Saturday, when they were set upon by a group of Everton fans.

Mr Smith, who was born in Leigh but now lives in Staffordshire said: "I noticed a group of men standing by the fence as we walked along the footpath behind Tesco. As my son William glanced over at them, they shouted at us and one thumped him behind the ear.

"They then started attacking my sons. Andrew was punched in the mouth and his lip was split open."

Mr Smith, a season ticket holder for ten years said he intervened and was trying to fend off the attackers when a group of Bolton Wanderers fans called over mounted police.

He said the attackers disappeared and the fans tried to get the police to search for them on the parked buses waiting to take Everton fans home.

Mr Smith claims a mounted police officer said: "What do you want me to do about it?" and refused to help. He claims other officers refused to help find the attackers and alleges his son Andrew who was shaken by the attack was verbally abused by a policeman and threatened with a riot stick.

Andrew had several stitches to his lip and William has lost part of his hearing.

Mr Smith said he now intends to write a letter of complaint to Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Mr David Wilmot.

He said: "I have spent 30 years in education trying to teach children social and moral responsibility and respect for law and order. I could not believe the way we were treated by a public agency entrusted with the care and protection of the public. This was an unprovoked and pre-meditated attack.

"We were the victims and it felt like we were the criminals. I intend to take this matter as far as I can."

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "An incident of assault was reported to us on Saturday and inquiries are continuing into the incident. We are aware of a formal complaint being made, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment at this time."