A TEENAGER was left needing hospital treatment after being beaten up by a gang who had lurked outside a birthday party waiting for him to leave.

The 16-year-old boy was treated outside Farnworth Masonic Hall by paramedics before being taken to Royal Bolton Hospital for treatment by his parents.

The three attackers, aged in their late teens or early 20s, punched and kicked the boy at about 11.30pm on Friday, March 20.

Several people tried to rush to the boy's aid but were also assaulted by the gang, who left the scene in Francis Street following what police described as a "targeted attack".

The gang were not at the same party as the victim but knew him, according to police, and had been waiting outside for him to emerge.

The ringleader is believed to have gone inside the masonic hall to check that the victim was there before rejoining his accomplices outside.

The victim is not thought to have suffered any serious injuries.

Since the attack, three men, aged 17, 19 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of assault and have been bailed until April 23.

Police have now issued an appeal for the public to help them with their inquiries, as they believe more people were also assaulted by the men.

Det Con Gary Knox said: “The victims had been at a birthday party and when they left, they were subject to a targeted attack.

"We know at least one person was hurt but we believe there were others who were assaulted so I would ask them to come forward and tell us what happened."

Neighbours said they heard about the fighting at the masonic hall, but did not know those involved.

The masonic hall, Birchfields, caters for weddings, anniversaries and dinners in its function room.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5619 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.