A MAN was assaulted from behind by two attackers near to Burnley train station at the weekend, police said.

The 22-year-old victim was walking along the footpath leading from Railway Street into the town centre towards Colne Road shortly before 9pm on Sunday when he was set upon.

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Officers said he was put in a choke hold by one of his attackers, causing the young man to lose consciousness.

Once on the ground the thieves searched his pockets, stealing his wallet which contained £55, the police said.

They also stole his Adidas rucksack which contained a pair of red Beats headphones.

Officers said before the attackers left the victim they kicked him in the face, leaving him on the ground.

The man sustained minor facial injuries as a result of the attack.

The police are now appealing for anybody who has any information about the incident to get in contact.

Both of the attackers have been described as wearing jogging bottoms and dark tops and are believed to be from the local area.

DC Wendy Rothwell said: “We have stepped up patrols in the area and we have had no other similar reports since this attack. I would like to appeal for anybody who may have witnessed this particularly vicious attack, or who may have seen two men acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident, to come forward.”

Burnley councillor Tony Harrison, who is a member of the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel, said: “I would also call on anyone who might know anything at all to get in contact with the police.

“It’s sad that this sort of thing has happened in Burnley. I don’t think that there is any CCTV in that area and maybe that’s something that we need to look at in the future.”

Contact 01282 472522 with any information.