A MAN was brutally attacked, losing five teeth, after an argument over a game of pool in a nightclub.

Police said the 24-year-old was beaten so badly with a pool cue that it snapped into two pieces during the assault at the Cellar bar in Blackburn.

Det Sgt Keith Rimmer said that the attack followed an initial minor disagreement over a match that was being played in the King Street club, early on Sunday.

The victim needed stitches to a wound on his lips as well as a gash to the back of the head after the attack.

He said that the victim, along with his 22-year-old friend were in the nightclub when they were approached by two men.

DS Rimmer said: "They were challenged to a game of doubles pool which they accepted.

"For some reason one of the other men became upset and started a completely unprovoked attack.

"The young man was hit in the mouth repeatedly with a pool cue which was then used as a weapon to attack him over the back of the head.

"It was a very nasty assault that even saw the pool cue snapped in two."

The 22-year-old was also assaulted as he tried to intervene, suffering minor injuries.

DS Rimmer said the incident was sparked by an argument over the pool match, thought to be relating to money that had been put on the table.

The pair were taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital at around 2.30am where they underwent treatment for their injuries.

He said that the 24-year-old is now recovering from the incident.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a section 18 wounding offence.

At the time of the attack the nightclub was full. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward by contacting them 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.