A GANG attack by up to 15 teenagers in the Duke Bar area of Burnley has left two men with head and chest injuries.

Nineteen-year-old friends were walking along Colne Road, between Hurtley Street and New Hall Street, when they were confronted by a gang of Asian youths and subjected to racist abuse.

The friends, both white, were challenged to a fight but were clearly outnumbered, according to police.

One of them was pushed into the road and subjected to kicks and punches.

Police said he was left with chest and rib injuries.

His friend was then pursued by some of the youths, towards Barden Lane, and was also attacked, resulting in him sustaining facial injuries.

Detective Constable Tim Maddox, of Pennine police division’s hate crimes unit, has just issued an appeal for witnesses to the violence, which is thought to have occurred between around 2.30pm and 3pm on Sunday.

“There is believed to have been a bus passing, around that time, and there may have been traffic backed up as a result of the incident,” he added.

The attacks took place close to an area of cleared terrace housing, which also housed the former Derby Arms pub.

Police say the larger group contained between 10 and 15 Asian youths, believed to be in their late teens.

The victims were allowed home after hospital treatment.

People with any information on those responsible for the attack are asked to call the unit on 01282 472282.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, free and annonymously, on 0800 555111.