The Leader of Manchester City Council was attacked and had his car stolen in Burnage.

Sir Richard Leese was attacked after he pulled over his Mini Cooper to the side of Milwain Road, Burnage, at about 1.45pm on January 2.

He opened his boot, but was confronted by two men who demanded he handed over his car keys. A struggle ensued during which he sustained a head injury.

The offenders wrestled the keys off him and stole his car. Sir Richard's motor vehicle is quite distinctive being light blue in colour with a white roof.

The car was found and recovered by officers on Sunday in Moston.

Sir Richard was taken to hospital as a precaution where he received treatment for his injury.

It is believed the offenders may have followed Sir Richard's car in a black motor vehicle.

The two men were described as black, well built, around 5ft 11ins to 6ft tall, both in their late teens to early twenties and wearing dark sports clothing.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Detective Constable Andrew Langlands of Longsight CID said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked attack on a man simply going about his day.

"If anyone was in the area at the time or saw the car after the attack, please get in touch."

Sir Richard said: "It was a very unpleasant experience which left me very shaken and with minor injuries.

"I hope that the perpetrators are caught so that no one else becomes a victim and suffers this kind of assault."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4335 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.