POLICE are trying to find two people who they believe may have witnessed a robbery in Accrington.

Philip Grimshaw, 64, was knocked out as he was walking home from Bold Street Working Men’s Club at around 11.30pm on Sunday (December 30).

He was walking along Park Street, close to Cedar Street, when he was struck from behind.

He was knocked unconscious before having his keys and wallet stolen.

The grandfather-of-five, who had gone to the club to have a drink with friends, is in Royal Blackburn Hospital with a bleed on his brain, a broken nose and ribs.

Officers now want to speak to two witnesses who they believe may have been walking along Cedar Street, towards Park Street, shortly before 11.45pm that night.

They may have witnessed part of the attack or may have seen the offender or offenders leaving the scene.

Police also want to speak to anyone who was walking along Park Street - at the back of Poundstretcher - at the same time, and who saw anything which seemed suspicious.

DC Phil Scott, from East CID, said: “We are determined to find the person or people responsible for this horrific attack, which left a man unconscious and with significant head and facial injuries.

“We believe there may have been two people walking in the area at around the time of the attack who may have witnessed part of it, or may have seen the person or people responsible in the area. If you believe this was you, we would urge you to get in touch as soon as possible, as you may have information that could help us with our investigation.

“Similarly, if anyone else was in the area at the time and saw anything that seemed suspicious, we would urge you to contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 0007 of December 31 or call 01282 472518.