Man attacked with knife in Rossendale in row over cigarette (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Man attacked with knife in Rossendale in row over cigarette

5:59pm Thursday 15th September 2011 in Whitworth

A 28-year-old man was attacked with a craft knife after refusing a man a cigarette in Haslingden.

The victim, from Whitworth, was walking down the back alley of Beaconsfield Street when a group of four young men walked towards him.

One of the group asked him for a cigarette, the victim refused and the man then attacked him from behind using a Stanley knife.

PC Faizal Mahmed from Rossendale Police said; “The victim received cuts to his head, face and body.

"Although his injuries were did not require hospital treatment, the attack was unprovoked and vicious.

“Fortunately the victim managed to defend himself and walk away from the attack.

The incident happened around 4:30pm on Thursday, September 8.

The offender is described as Asian, around 19 years old, medium build, 5’10” with short black hair.

Anyone with any information should contact Rossendale Police on 01282 425001.