A DRIVER has been injured after two thugs attacked him with a spanner and screwdriver and then stole his car.

Connor Sherrington, who works at Bury Black Pudding Company, was parked in a residential street waiting to pick up a friend, when the assault took place.

Two men, aged between 18 and 22, climbed into the 25-year-old's white VW, "grabbed him by the throat, beat him around the head with a spanner, took his belongings and then made off in the car", according to the family.

Former Bury College student Connor suffered bruising and minor cuts to his head, face, neck, hands and legs as a result of the attack in Tarbet Drive, Breightmet, on Monday night.

His mother Lorraine, who also works at Bury Black Pudding Company, said the incident has left the family "in a state of shock" and has called for anyone with information to contact the police.

Ms Sherrington, who lives in Bradley Fold, said: "As Connor was waiting for his friend, he noticed two lads walk by his car on the driver's side. The next thing his back passenger door and driver's door were opened.

"The one in the back grabbed him around his throat and started to strangle him and pin him back.

"The one at the front began to hit him around the head and face with a spanner. He had a screwdriver and was trying to stab him in the ribs.

"He thought they were going to take him off in the car. They pushed him to the passenger side and one was shouting "just drive."

"He told them to take the car and go. He somehow managed to get out and they sped off, leaving him on the ground."

She added: "It is horrific to think you can be sat in your own car, minding your own business, and someone think they have the right to batter you and take your belongings. You feel like you are not safe anywhere."

The assault took place at about 9.30pm. The offenders took the car and Connor's Samsung phone.

Friends have rallied round Connor on social media, with individuals describing the incident as a "disgrace", "terrible" and others wishing him a speedy recovery.

It was the friend he had gone to pick up who called the emergency services at about 9.45pm.

A spokeswoman for the North West Ambulance Service said: "We were called at about 9.45pm to a private address. We did not take anyone to hospital."

Police are understood to have been patrolling the area on Monday night and are checking CCTV as part of their investigation.

A police spokesman said: "Police were called at around 9.40pm on Monday to reports of an assault on a 22-year-old man by two men in Tarbet Drive, Bolton.

"The man was left with minor injuries to his legs, arms and face but did not require hospital treatment. It is believed he was attacked by one of the men with a spanner.

"The offenders fled the scene in the man’s car and headed towards Bolton town centre.

"Both men are described as white and were both wearing puffa jackets. One of the men is described as having bushy beard."

Ms Sherrington said: "Please check your CCTV. These two men were armed. If they aren't caught, this could happen again. If anyone know who these men are please contact the police."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5737 quoting incident number 3150 of January 20. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.