A GROUP of teenagers slashed a man's face with a knife after he asked them to stop hanging around his back garden.

The attack left him with cuts to his lip, mouth and cheek and needing seven stitches.

He had asked a group of teenage girls and boys to leave his garden in Northfield Street, Arboretum, Worcester between 11.15pm and 11.45pm on Friday.

Now Worcester police are appealing for help to catch his attackers

Neighbours asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, but they spoke of their shock.

One man said: "A lot of people around here think it is a bit rough. There are lots of young people hanging around and some of them think they own the place."

Another said she regularly spotted teenagers hanging around the area.

"There are a lot of youths loitering around," said another resident. "I've been here two years and it's generally OK. I was shocked to hear about it. My husband was told about it last night."

After the attack, the group ran off towards the back of the house, in the direction of Wood Terrace.

Police are looking for four males and two females, all aged 15-18.

One of the men was white, 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, with short curly hair and wearing a Puffa-style jacket.

Another youth was light-skinned, of Afro-Caribbean origin, 5ft 10in tall, slightly built and wearing a grey hooded top.

The other two males were of white and Afro-Caribbean origin. Police have no descriptions of either of the girls.

Anyone who saw the incident or believe they recognise the descriptions should call 08457 444888 quoting 14S/060506.

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.