AN 18-year-old man was left with a broken jaw after he was repeatedly kicked and punched by a gang.

Police are hunting up to five men following the assault in Talbot Street, Briercliffe, Burnley.

Detectives said the man, who is from the town, was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment.

Officers are appealing for information and are urging any witnesses to come forward.

The men are described as Asian, aged between 17 to 18 years old and were wearing dark clothing.

Police said one of the group was wearing a distinctive black hooded top with gold stripes.

Officers said the victim was white but the motive for the attack was not being treated as racist at this stage.

PC Qaiser Jabbar said: “This was a vicious and completely unprovoked attack.

"Although we have spoken to local residents, we are also keen to speak with anybody else who may have witnessed this attack or has any information about it.

“I would urge people to get in touch with any amount of information.”

Anybody with information about the attack on Wednesday at around 10pm should call police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.