A family's Christmas has been 'ruined' following a serious assault outside a garage in Congleton.

A teenager is currently waiting to undergo jaw reconstructive surgery after being attacked on Saturday morning.

The 18-year-old was walking along Canal Street with his friends when they were approached by a gang, who pushed his friend before punching him in the face.

The victim's father, Rik Simpson said: "Christmas has been well and truly ruined for us.

"If we even have him home the only Christmas dinner he is going to be able to manage is a bowl of soup through a straw.

"He had so much planned. He was going to be coming up to St Helen's for the first time with his family.

"We were all going to be together and that's all gone to pot.

"The whole extended family and everyone that this has impacted are in utter bits."

Rik's son was walking along Canal Street with his friends at around 4.50am on Saturday when they were followed by a group of people.

The gang pushed one of the victim's friends before punching him, causing a serious injury.

He is currently at Royal Stoke University Hospital awaiting surgery.

Cheshire Police are now urging anyone with information to come forward.

DS Steve Kaminski said: "We are checking CCTV in the area and have been making a number of enquiries to identify the suspect.

"If anyone has any information about the assault or the suspect, I'd urge you to come forward to help us find the person responsible for this violent attack."

Information can be passed to police by calling 101 or visiting the Cheshire Police website and quoting IML 1989667.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.