THESE men could have vital information about a rubber mallet attack that left two people with head injuries, police have said.

The assaults happened in Darwen town centre after the two victims, who did not know each other, were randomly targeted by the thugs.

One of the victims was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken jaw.

The other needed staples to his head after being hit with the wooden-handled weapon, which is often used for hammering tent pegs into the ground.

Both victims had been on nights out when they were assaulted.

Officers have released CCTV images of men they think could have been involved.

Det Sgt Adrian McHugh, from East CID, said: “We would be really interested in speaking to anybody who might recognise the men in the pictures.

“These were disturbing and unprovoked attacks which left two victims with injuries to their heads.”

The attacks happened just before 4am on Saturday in Market Street and School Street.

The first attacker was white man, about 5ft 10ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a red polo Tshirt. The second man was also white, aged 18 to 22 and had short, dark hair. He was wearing a dark T-shirt, light blue jeans and white trainers.

Det Sgt McHugh said: “We have studied CCTV footage and there are people in the area at the time, so we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the attacks or the events leading up to them.

“We have not had any confirmed names at the moment for the attackers and they are not known to police.”

Anybody with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.