A COUPLE who were beaten unconscious and left in a skate park, may have been attacked because they wore 'gothic' clothing, according to police.

The 21-year-old man and his 20 year-old girlfriend, who were found in the skate park in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, were so badly beaten police had difficulty establishing their sex.

The couple were left with serious head injuries and swollen faces.

Robbery could not be ruled out as a motive because personal belongings were missing, the police added.

Police have arrested four youngsters aged 15-17 and appealed for witnesses because they believe more people were involved.

The pair were discovered in the park by a member of the public at 1.20am on Saturday morning.

Paramedics took the pair to Fairfield General Hospital in Bury and they were then transferred to hospitals in Manchester.

The injuries are said to be serious but not life threatening and police have yet to question them because both remain unconscious.

Detective Inspector Dean Holden said: "Clearly they were the victims of a severe beating and we have arrested four males aged 15 to 17 "This was a sustained attack during the course of which the pair received serious head injuries and their faces were so swollen we could not ascertain which one was female and which one was male.

"We do know that the two people who were attacked followed the gothic trend and potentially this could have been a motive.

"Some personal property may also be missing so we cannot discount robbery as a motive.

"We believe the victims were assaulted by a large group of people and are looking for other offenders.

"Anyone who saw the attack or groups of people in the park should contact the police."

Anyone with information should contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144, the control room on 01282 4721360 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.