A MAN needed 56 stitches after he was slashed across the face by a woman armed with a knife.

The victim was left with such ‘horrendous’ injuries that it is unclear if he will have long-term damage.

The late-night assault in Blackburn also saw the attacker steal £200 from her victim.

The man, who is in his 40s, was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he needed emergency treatment for internal and external facial wounds.

Det Insp Marie Haworth from Blackburn CID said: “The victim sustained very nasty injuries in this horrendous attack.”

She said that because the injuries were so serious, police had not yet managed to get a full account from the victim to determine what happened in the minutes leading up to the slashing, although it is thought he did know his attacker.

Det Insp Haworth said police had stepped up patrols in the area following the incident which happened at around 1.20am on Sunday (MAY 18) in Fawcett Close, in the Galligreaves area.

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Coun Damian Talbot, who represents the Mill Hill area, which includes Fawcett Street, said: “This is a disturbing incident.

“It is a nasty thing and to hear he had 56 stitches is very shocking.

“We do not like to see this kind of thing happening and I hope that the appropriate action is taken and that the injured person gets a lot better pretty quickly.”

The attacker was around 5ft 4ins and in her mid-30s. She had straight, black, shoulder-length hair.

Det Insp Haworth appealed for anybody who might be able to help with the investigation to get in touch.

She said: “It is unclear at this stage, but we do not suspect this was a stranger attack.

“We would want to reassure individuals in the area that we have increased patrols.

“The victim suffered nasty external and internal injuries across his face. He has had 56 stitches, but it is unclear about any long-term injuries.

“We are appealing to any witnesses who were in the area at the time who may have seen the incident or who may know who is responsible to come forward.

“Because this gentleman has been quite poorly, it has been quite difficult for us to get a proper account from him and so we need to speak to witnesses.”

Anybody with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.