A takeaway pizza shop owner, who moved to the Ribble Valley because of the lack of crime, has spoken of his fears after he was attacked with a weapon and suffered cuts to his head while serving his customers.

Massimiliano 'Max' Burzio, was assaulted at his takeaway, Vesuvio, on Whalley Road in Clitheroe on Monday evening, and had to be taken to hospital for his injuries.

Police were called and arrested a man, in his 30s, on suspicion of GBH, but he has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Mr Burzio, who is well-known and liked in the Clitheroe community, said nothing like this had ever happened to him before.

He said: "I chose to live and work in Clitheroe just because there is little crime, but for those who work in a takeaway these things should not happen.

"Myself and my staff, we remained composed; they are teenagers and my priority is not to let anything happen to them.

"I have some wounds on my head but the biggest wound is the fear of it happening again."

Police were called to Vesuvio's at 7.30pm on August 31 after receiving reports of an assault.

A spokesperson for the police said: "It appeared a man had been attacked with a weapon and suffered cuts to his head.

"A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of GBH.

"He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Following the incident, some Clitheroe residents took to social media to express their concern, with many posting well wishes in the hope that staff at the takeaway were ok.

One person commented: "Sad to hear all the bad stuff coming out of Clitheroe.

"It's certainly not the town I grew up in, it seems to be the feral centre of the area, not a happy place."

Another said: "So sorry this has happened, really is disgusting behaviour. Get well soon."

And one user added: "We love the Vesuvio hope all is okay."

While one person said: "Such a nice fella hope he's okay."

Anybody with information about the incident which they think could help police with their enquiries should call 101, quoting log 1426 of August 31.

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