A DOG walker is thought to have fractured his spine when he was pushed down an embankment.

The 51-year-old man had been walking in Baxenden when he was approached by two men, one of who is thought to have pushed him, causing him to fall 20ft to 30ft.

The assault happened between 10.30pm and 11.15pm on Saturday in Laund Clough at the back of Warmden Avenue and Southwood Drive.

Police are appealing for anybody who might have seen the men, who were described as being in their late teens or early 20s, to contact them.

Det Sgt Ian Procter said: “There does not appear to be any sort of motive for this attack, which left the victim with a suspected fractured vertebra.

“The area concerned is treacherous, particularly in darkness and when wet underfoot, and there is a dangerous drop towards a stream.

“It is important that the two men involved are traced as a matter of urgency to ascertain exactly what happened.”

Anybody with information should call 101 quoting the log reference LC-20140712-1868 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.