Two pizza delivery drivers were savagely beaten by a gang after being conned into a 4am delivery.
The pair, aged 33 and 29, were called to the junction of Cadley Avenue and Woodplumpton Road on Sunday to deliver six pizzas.
They were then set upon by a group of up to six youths, thought to be aged between 15 and 20 years, who tried to steal their mobile phones, cash and break into their car.
Det Insp Dave McKenna, of Preston Police, described the attack as "cowardly" and warned takeaway deliverers to beware of similar tricks.
He said: "This was a nasty attack on two hard-working people just trying to do their job in the early hours of the morning.
"They have both had to have hospital treatment and are very shaken up by the incident.
"Takeaway drivers should be especially wary of taking orders from on the street."
He added that the gang had earlier made a call to a takeaway on Friargate which sent a driver round to collect the money for the pizzas, spotted the group and drove off.
The youths then made a second order to a firm on Corporation Street, which sent the drivers.
The group was made up of between five and six males, aged 15 to 20 years and wearing black clothing with some wearing masks or scarves covering their faces.
Anyone with any information should contact Preston Police on 01772 203203.>> Vote in our latest web polli-map: All the news from around the North West on our interactive map 