Their attackers dragged them out, punched the 14-year-old boy and left them beaten and bruised at the side of Chatsworth Road in Rainhill.

They then stole their blue Vauxhall Astra at 5.15pm on Monday (August 18).

The 36-year-old woman and her son had been sat in their car on Chatsworth Road, facing Warrington Road. They were just about to pull off when they were attacked.

The car was later recovered and is undergoing forensic examinations.

Nothing else was stolen and detectives believe the main motive was to steal the vehicle. They do not think it was used as a getaway car from another crime committed beforehand.

The offenders are described as white, all aged between 17 and 19 years. The first offender was between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 11ins tall, with a slim, attractive face, dark eyes and a pale complexion.

He was wearing a black tracksuit, black trousers and a black hooded jacket. The second offender is described as 5ft 9ins tall, with shaved light coloured hair and a pale complexion.

He was wearing a black jumper, black jacket with a black hood attached and black trousers with an orange logo, possibly Timberland. The third offender is described as being of slim build with dark brown messy hair.

He had a clear complexion, high cheekbones and large eyebrows. He was wearing a black waist length coat.

Merseyside Police would urge anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.