MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) – Manchester police say four men have been charged with assault and other crimes in the beating of an 18-year-old who was struck in the head with a firearm.

Officers found the victim bleeding from several cuts to the head early Saturday. He told police that the suspects, including someone he knew, showed a gun and told him to get into their car.

Police said there was a struggle, during which the victim was struck in the head with the gun, punched and kicked.

The victim’s stepfather showed up and assisted in stopping the assault.

In addition to first-degree assault, the men, who range in age from 17 to 22, have been charged with armed robbery and attempted kidnapping.

AP-ES-04-12-08 1432EDT