The victim, a 30-year-old man from Chorley, was on platform four of the station when he was approached by a man who asked him what he had in his bag.

This man then attempted to wrestle the bag from the victim. As he did so he produced a weapon, described as a truncheon or small baseball/rounders bat, and began to strike the victim.

He struck him several times causing injuries to his arm, a deep cut to his ear and a broken jaw. He also produced a knife and threatened the victim. The culprit then left empty handed on foot in the direction of Golden Hill.

The attacker is described as a white man, approximately 18 to 20 years of age, approximately 6ft tall and of slim build. He wore tracksuit bottoms, trainers, a baseball cap and a blue hooded top which is described as having blue vertical piping down the front. He spoke with a local accent and is said to have had a 'chubby' face.

The incident happened at around 7pm on Friday, May 2, but details have only just been revealed by the BTP.

Det Con Mick Millward of British Transport Police investigating said: "This was a particularly nasty assault where the offender struck the victim repeatedly with such force that the bat snapped. We have carried out inquiries in the local area, and are now examining CCTV footage as well as carrying out forensic tests on part of the broken bat.

"I am appealing for local people to come forward if they recognise the description of this offender or have any information that can assist the investigation."

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Millward at British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.