A 15-year-old boy left fighting for life after a brutal attack was kicked on the head while on the floor, police revealed tonight.

And officers believe Gino Hargreaves' attackers are local and are urging residents to come forward with information.

Gino, of Sandon Street, Bank Top, Blackburn, remains in a coma following the assault in the Bank Top area of Blackburn on Thursday night.

Gino was found collapsed with serious head injuries by police and paramedics on a grassy area off Hancock Street, Bank Top.

He was initially conscious and was treated at Royal Blackburn Hospital but his condition deteriorated and was taken to Hope Hospital in Salford where his family are maintaining a bedside vigil.

Gino's school is praying his ‘grit and determination’ will help him win his fight for life.

Gwen Onyon, headteacher of Witton Park High School where Gino, 15, attends, described him as a popular and likeable student.

She said: “He is keen on sports and broke the school’s high jump record.

“I remember his grit and determination. Let’s hope that grit and determination gets him through.

“I spoke to Mrs Hargreaves yesterday morning. She’s remarkably brave.”

Tonight police revealed that Gino was attacked by two men described as being ‘of Asian appearance’ and in their late teens or early 20s.

They were described as wearing dark jackets and are believed to have made off up Hancock Street towards Bank Top.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gray, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was an appalling attack on a young man who sustained life-threatening injuries for what are as yet unknown reasons.

“Due to the location of the attack and the overall circumstances, it’s highly likely that the offenders either live in the area or were visiting people in that area and would be known by members of the community.

"We are asking for anyone with information as to the identity of the offenders to contact police."

Anybody with any information should call police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.