Three injured in Darwen woods attack

4:52pm Sunday 11th May 2008

A GROUP of up to 20 youths were involved in a random attack on three people which left one with a broken jaw and another unconscious.

The three people, two brothers and the girlfriend of one of them, were having an afternoon drink and relaxing by a pond in Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen, when they were first verbally abused by the group of youths.

The group shouted abuse at the three of them then ran off.

But minutes later they came back and carried out the assault.

Police said that they are looking for three teenagers in particular.

The incident took place last Wednesday between 5.30pm and 6pm and the attackers were seen running off towards the Band Stand.

One of the victims, who is 28, was left with a broken jaw after he was punched in the face. He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

His 29-year-old brother was also punched in face but he was knocked unconscious. He suffered from facial injuries but was not treated in hospital.

The 39-year-old girlfriend was hit over the head with a glass bottle by a teenage girl but suffered minor injuries and did not need hospital treatment.

In particular police are looking for one youth aged between 16 and 19, who is white, approximately 5ft 9in, with a large build and short blond or brown hair.

Another youth was in his mid teens, white and with shaved hair. He was wearing a baseball cap and a dark tracksuit.

The girl is thought be in her mid teens and had blonde hair, which was worn in a pony tail.

Det Con Rachel Hill, of Darwen CID, said: "These three people were enjoying an afternoon drink in the sun when they were set-upon by this group of teenagers for no apparent reason.

"Random attacks like this are rare in Darwen and I urge anyone with information about who was responsible to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 quoting log reference number 238eq/070508 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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