TWO 'dangerous' thugs who launched a 'shocking, violent and unprovoked attack' on three men in a town centre street have been jailed.

Police have released CCTV footage of the sickening incident in which the men were punched and then kicked to the head as they lay unconscious on the floor.

One of the victim's heads is slammed into the pavement seven times before he is then kicked.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

A detective working on the case has described the brutal attack as one of the worst he has ever seen.

The footage shows Sean Jarvis, 28, punching, kicking and stamping on Peter Goodison, 40, Mark Haggart, 33 and Martyn Ashworth, 29, outside Dixy Chicken in Darwen Street, Blackburn.

Captured at 4.30am on May 20 it also shows Andrew McDermott, 22, helping Jarvis attack his victims.

Such was the ferocity of the attack that one of the men was left with a bleed on the brain.

Jarvis, of Hollin Bridge Street, Blackburn, who was arrested at the scene, has now been jailed for eight years and four months.

Preston Crown Court heard McDermott, of Scotland Bank Terrace, Blackburn, had run off from the area following the attack.

He was arrested at Blackburn Magistrates Court when detectives noticed him sat in the public gallery during Jarvis's first court appearance.

He was wearing the same top he wore in the early morning attack.

Jarvis pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, two assaults occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

As well as his prison term he was also given a further five years on extended licence after Judge Robert Altham deemed him to be a dangerous offender.

McDermott pleaded guilty to affray and common assault and was given an 18 month sentence.

Speaking after the sentencing, Det Con Tom Wignall said: “This was a shocking, violent and unprovoked attack.

“The CCTV footage of the assault is some of the worst I have seen in my time as a police officer.

“Jarvis carried out a brutal and sustained attack, leaving three men prone on the floor. McDermott was heavily involved, assisting Jarvis in the attack.

“The three victims all suffered varying injuries, with the man with the bleed on the brain injury still suffering the impact of this assault to this day.

“Jarvis and McDermott are clearly dangerous offenders who showed a reckless disregard for the men they attacked.

"Sickeningly, Jarvis kicked out twice towards the heads of two of the men as they lay defenceless on the floor. His actions were utterly abhorrent.

“We welcome the sentences imposed and hope they serve as a warning to others that such crime will not be tolerated.

"We will find you, you will be arrested and you will face a lengthy prison sentence."