A SECURITY guard was hit in the head after challenging burglars who had broken in to a former Burnley school.

The man suffered a head injury after being knocked down in what police have called an ‘unprovoked’ and ‘unnecessary’ attack.

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The attack happened at the Ivy Bank School site on Byron Street and police are studying CCTV footage in the surrounding areas.

Police do not know whether the man was hit with a weapon or a fist, but said they believe the men were in the building trying to steal scrap metal.

Sgt Martyn Holt said: “This was an unprovoked attack and it is unusual for it to have happened in these circumstances. We have had previous incidents at the site, but security guards have never been attacked before.

“It’s concerning that there has been a level of force used. It was unnecessary and unprovoked.”

The security guard, whose name or age have not been released, is said to have seen a flashlight and when he went to investigate he was hit on the head.

The offenders then made off on foot.

The victim suffered a lump to his head, but did not require immediate hospital treatment.

Police are treating the incident, which happened at 7.50pm on Sunday, as a burglary.

There are no descriptions of the burglars, and it is unknown whether they managed to escape with anything.

Any witnesses are asked to call police via 101, quoting crime reference number LC-20150920-1336. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.