A 16-year-old boy has been spoken to by police in connection with an assault where a 71-year-old man was knocked unconscious in the street.

Police have confirmed the boy came forward earlier this week and has now been released under investigation.

Officers issued a witness appeal following the incident which happened at around 5pm on October 4.

Police said the victim was crossing the road at Tedder Avenue, close to Sycamore Avenue when two boys assaulted him, causing him to fall to the ground. As a result he suffered significant injuries to his face and lost consciousness.

Police said the boys ran off from the scene and the victim was assisted by passersby.

PC David Greenwood said: “We would like to speak to anyone who saw the incident or who was in the area and saw the boys. Alternatively you may think you know who the boys are and might be able to provide us with names.”

Anybody with information can call 101, quoting log 1075 of October 4. Email 3661@lancashire.pnn.police.uk