A MAN was ambushed in the street - sparking a large-scale brawl involving a gang of men armed with knives and bats.

The attack happened in Bradford Street, The Haulgh, at about 6.20pm yesterday, when, according to police, a large and organised group of men got out of four vehicles and attacked another man.

Now police say they want to know what motivated the ambush and are keen for anyone with information to call them.

They are investigating the possibility that the attack was gang-related.

The men were all Asian, say police, and they were seen arriving in four vehicles.

An Audi, with the registration PF64 PDX, a BMW with the plate OE55 VDL, a Nissan, with the registration BK15 SXF, and a Mercedes, with the plate LP14 RYG, were spotted pulling up in the area.

Police say they want to speak to the owners of those vehicles.

The victim escaped with no serious injuries.

Det Insp Christopher Mossop said: "This could have been a lot worse in terms of injuries.

"We are just trying to understand what motivated this and what has gone on at this stage.

"Anyone who saw it or knows what it was about should call us right away.

"I want to reassure the community that there are no wider concerns and police patrols have increased in the area."

Police are not ruling out links to a street attack in Castle Street on Saturday, April 11, and another outside a Breightmet takeaway one day later.

In those two attacks the victims were ambushed, and, in the case of the Bury Road incident outside Allen's Fried Chicken, involved men driving cars at each other.

Those two incidents are thought to be part of a turf war between rival drugs gangs.

Police say the investigations into those incidents are ongoing, although no direct connection with the Bradford Street ambush has been made yet.

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8565761. Police say information can be given confidentially.