A STUDENT was left with a broken cheekbone after a violent lunchtime street assault.

The 31-year-old man was mugged in Holme Road, Burnley, less than 200 yards from where another attack left a man fighting for his life less than three weeks earlier.

The new attack was revealed as police announced that dad-of-four Azeem Nawaz, 32, who suffered a fractured skull in March Street last month, was out of a coma and able to recognise members of his family.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said they were not linking the two incidents at this stage.

Mr Nawaz, of Farrer Street, Nelson, had been in a critical condition in the Royal Preston Hospital since March 9, but has opened his eyes in the last 24 hours.

The police spokesman said: “Mr Nawaz is not able to talk yet but we are hopeful that, as his condition improves, we will be able to speak to him.”

His wife, Alia Azeem, and brother-in-law, Waseem Sarwar, had been keeping a vigil by his bedside and made an emotional plea for witnesses last week when a £3,000 Crimestoppers reward was offered.

In the nearby Holme Road attack, at around 1pm on March 28, the victim, who is from Burnley and studies at Burnley College, was kicked, punched and stamped on.

Police said one attacker stopped him to ask the time, while another pounced from behind and punched him in the head.

They stole his Sony mobile phone, leather laptop bag, passport and bank cards.

He was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where he was treated for serious head injuries before being released yesterday afternoon.

Police are hunting two men, both described as Asian, aged 16-20, with local accents.

One was 6ft, of medium build and wearing a black zip-up Adidas hooded top with light blue stripes.

The second was slim and wearing a grey hooded top.

Ward councillors called for an end to ‘senseless attacks’ in the area.

Coun Saeed Chaudhary said: “I don’t know what is becoming of our society.

“People getting assaulted in Daneshouse with Stoneyholme is becoming an almost daily occurrence.

“We had a meeting with the police recently and were told they are doing all they can but they can’t be everywhere.

“I will do everything I can to support the families of those affected by these senseless attacks.

“I have got every sympathy for them.

“It’s a tragedy that no witnesses have come forward yet and all we can do is hope that these people are dealt with.”

And Coun Wajid Khan said: “It is concerning that they are happening at all, but especially in broad daylight.

“I would request everyone to work with the police to bring about an end to this unacceptable violence.

“We need a more visible police presence but I appreciate that’s not always possible because of cutbacks.”

Anyone with information about either incident should call Burnley police on 01282 472140 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.