A gang of 20 masked thugs attacked a young couple with metal bars and bats as they sat in their car.
The man and woman were approached by the gang at around 7.30pm on Monday in a car park at Whitby Park, in Ellesmere Port.
As they sat in their silver Vauxhall Astra, near the skate park, the large group walked up to the car with crowbars, metal bars and baseball bats.
The gang demanded that the driver get out of the car before attacking him with their hands and feet.
They then used the weapons to smash up the car, breaking windows and damaging the body work.
As the attack went on, the woman suffered a hand injury when the passenger side window was smashed with a crowbar.
A firework was then fired at the car before the gang ran from the scene in different directions.
According to Cheshire Police, the gang were wearing dark clothing and face coverings during the attack and the witnesses described them as young men or boys in their late teens.
Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and detectives are urging anyone with any information that may help their investigation to come forward.
Detective Constable Tim Cope, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit, said: “This was a terrifying incident that has understandably left the victims extremely shaken up.
“It has also left them with minor injuries.
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“I would like to reassure members of the community that this is believed to be a targeted attack and an isolated incident and we are determined to establish the identities of the offenders and make them face the consequences of their actions.
“Enquiries are ongoing and I urge anyone who was in the area and saw anything that may help our investigation to get in touch.
“Perhaps you witnessed the incident or believe that you saw the offenders, either before they attacked the driver and smashed up his car or as they were fleeing the scene.
“We also want to hear from anyone who thinks they may know who the offenders are, or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them.”
Anyone with information or footage that may aid the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 863247, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
