Gang set on man in Blackburn alley assault (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Gang set on man in Blackburn alley assault

2:08pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News By Vanessa Cornall , Crime reporter

A MAN is recovering in hospital after being injured in an ‘unprovoked’ attack in Blackburn town centre.

The 28-year-old was left with a fractured jaw and broken ankle after being set up in the back alley of Retro bar, in Mill Lane on Tuesday.

He was assaulted after arranging to meet up with an acquaintance to amicably settle an ongoing personal issue.

But as the Blackburn man arrived with two friends, he was caught off guard by a group of up to eight Asian males waiting for him shortly after 4.45pm.

He was punched in the face before being knocked to the floor with his top pulled over his face.

The gang then continued to punch and kick the man, who is also Asian, as he lay on the ground until one of his friends alerted police. DS Marc Saunders, of Blackburn CID is leading the investigation.

He said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack. The victim arrived in Mill Lane to sort out a personal issue offering no violence at all.

“He was kicked and punched to the face and torso and left with nasty injuries including a fractured jaw and broken ankle.

“I urge anyone who was in Blackburn town centre shortly before 5pm on Tuesday to come forward.

“Someone must have seen a group of up to eight Asian males gathering in the Mill Lane area before and after the attack.

“Inquiries are currently under way and we are checking CCTV footage of the area for clues.”

The group of attackers are described as aged between 18 and 21 years old.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.