A BACUP man is in hospital with a serious head injury following a “vicious” and “unprovoked” street attack in the Rossendale town.

The attack on the 52-year-old involved between three and six men and took place outside the British Queen pub in Union Street.

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Police said they were wearing balaclavas and dark clothing, and it was reported some were armed with baseball bats, The victim suffered what police have described as “significant head injuries” and is receiving treatment in hospital.

A 26-year-old man from Bacup has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and suspicion of a public order offence and is in police custody.

A 38-year-old woman from Bacup has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and was in police custody last night.

Detective Inspector Steve Holgate, of Burnley CID, said: “This was a particularly vicious and unprovoked attack.

“An investigation to identify the men responsible is under way and I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward and contact us.”

Following the attack, which took place between 6.50pm and 7pm on Monday, a second man, who has not been named, is said to have been attacked in the Thorn Street area.

One onlooker told the Lancashire Telegraph: “There were several police cars and ambulances parked up around and the area was still sealed off the day after.

“The investigations also seemed to be concentrating on Alma Street. It looked like the police were taking the incident very seriously indeed.”

Anyone with information contact 101, quoting log number 1086 of October 26. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or at Crimestoppers-uk.org.