The youths apparently threw a board onto the tracks

The 41-year-old victim suffered a fractured skull when he was apparently hit over the head with a rock and assaulted while trying to escape.

The man confronted the group who had allegedly thrown a notice board from Prestatyn railway station onto the tracks.

Pc Edward Walden, of British Transport Police, said: "I would say that this is a very vicious attack and judging by the injuries we are lucky this is not a murder inquiry."

We are looking for a witness who came into the takeaway who apparently heard the youths bragging about what they had done Pc Edward Walden

He said the man had been waiting for a train at 2325 BST on Friday when a group of seven or eight youths began to damage the station.

"He remonstrated with them when they threw a notice board on to the tracks," said Pc Walden.

"One of the youths grabbed a rock and assaulted the gentleman by hitting him around the head with it.

Evidence

"He has suffered a fractured skull and has required 22 stitches in his head. He also has a suspected broken nose.

"The gentleman tried to leave the station by the over bridge where it looks like he was assaulted by the whole group.

"He made his way to a takeaway and managed to get himself in public view and the youths walked off down Victoria Road.

"We are looking for a witness who came into the takeaway who apparently heard the youths bragging about what they had done as they walked down Victoria Road."

The youths were described as aged between 15 and 18.

Scenes of crimes officers have been to the station and have gathered a number of items as evidence.