POLICE are appealing for information after a man was seriously assaulted in Darwen. 

A 37-year-old local man was struck from behind and knocked to the ground after he left the Anchor Public House on Blackburn Road on Saturday, May 3rd.

As he walked along the pavement, two men passed him; one of the men struck the victim to the left side of his face. He was knocked to the ground and was left in a considerable amount of pain.

The offenders fled from the scene in the direction of Darwen town centre.

Det Con Rachel Higson, of Blackburn Police, said: “This was a cowardly, unprovoked attack which has left the victim needing extensive surgery on his jaw and he is awaiting a further operation; he remains in hospital in a stable condition.

“This was a particular vicious assault as the victim was just going about his own business; the offender has stuck the man without purpose or warning and has then fled leaving the man with serious injuries.

“I would appeal for anyone who witnessed this assault or who has any information to get in touch”

The males are described as being white and under 35 years old.

One male was approximately 6ft 2ins wearing a long sleeved white top - the second male was shorter and wore a claret and blue top believed to be a Burnley football shirt.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 1364 of Saturday, May 3rd.