POOLS collector Alistair Baldwin feared for his life when two attackers repeatedly hit him over the head with a stick.

Alistair, 28, said: "I know it sounds strange but I was actually relieved when they demanded money because it meant that the attack stopped.''

His ordeal took place as he was walking home across Hard Platts, Nelson, after completing his football pools collection round.

He had just crossed the railway line from Manchester Road when without warning he was hit across the forehead with some kind of stick or similar weapon.

Alistair, of Hibson Road, Nelson, said: "The blow knocked me round 180 degrees and I ended up sitting on the floor facing back towards Manchester Road.''

While he was in a dazed condition four or five more blows landed on the top of his head.

He said: "I wondered if the attack would stop but then I heard two Asian sounding voices asking for money. I gave them my money and they ran off.''

With blood streaming down his face Alistair staggered home and his brother drove him to Burnley General Hospital where he had 18 stitches in a wound to his forehead and skull.

He is now back home recovering from his ordeal.

He said: "I never became unconscious but I felt as though I had been knocked down by a heavyweight boxer. I still have an headache and pains this morning.''

The offenders ran off with £90 cash and a blue Jaguar sports bag.

Alistair, a single man, is a factory worker at McBride's, Burnley, and plays soccer for Hilly's Team in the Premier Division of the Pendle Soccer League.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen the incident or noticed anyone acting suspiciously in the Hard Platts area of Nelson on Thursday evening to contact the CID on 01282-863161.

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