A FACTORY worker attacked on his way home from a night out has told of his determination not to let the assault get him down.

Philip Carlin, 40, of Church, can remember very little of the ordeal which left him in hospital with a large gash to the back of his head.

He was walking through Church around midnight on December 27 and had arrived at the junction of Church Street and John Street. A witness told police that Mr Carlin had staggered in front of a saloon car, causing it to stop.

Two men then got out of the car and Mr Carlin was beaten to the ground and knocked unconscious.

Mr Carlin said: "I had just been to a friend's house a few streets away and it should only have taken me five minutes to walk home. The next thing I remember is being in an ambulance and being taken to hospital.

"It is worrying to think that I don't remember much about it.

"The whole experience was quite frightening but I'm not going to let it stop me from carrying on as normal. I will still go out at night and on my own."

The vehicle involved is thought to have a partial registration mark of 714 or 417. Another witness saw a red, sporty car with a spoiler nearby shortly after the incident.

Witnesses can call DC Gillibrand or DC Holmes at Accrington CID on 01254 353743.