TOWN centre gangs violently assaulted two men in separate incidents in the last week.

Blackpool police are appealing for witnesses to the two attacks, one on Friday night and one on Tuesday.

The first incident occurred as an 18-year-old man, from Wigan, walked through an underpass at Blackpool North Rail Station at around 5.50pm on Friday, January 7.

A group of four youths, believed to be aged between 15 to 17, punched an kicked him to the ground after he refused their demands to hand over cash from his rucksack.

They made their escape after failing to grab the bag.

The bayyered and bleeding victim was left with a cut to his left eye and and a number of cuts and bruises.

He refused to be treated at hospital. The offenders are all described as clean shaven white males, wearing tracksuit jackets and bottoms with short cropped hair.

A youth was yesterday (Wednesday) being questioned in connection with a second assault which occurred outside the Washington pub, Topping Street, on Tuesday night.

A 21-year-old South Shore man was set upon and beaten by a gang of youths following an alleged altercation between the group and the victim's friends.

He was discovered by a patrolling police officer as the attackers left him on the ground. The officer gave chase and managed to arrest one person.

The victim was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

A Blackpool police spokesman said: "We are keen to speak to anybody who has any information about either of these violent crimes.

"Perhaps they were in the area either before or after the incidents took place or have heard something which may be relevant to the investigation.

"Either way we would urge them to get in contact with us immediately."

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 as soon as possible or Blackpool Police directly on 01253 293933.

Callers should quote crime reference AX135/05 (for the Blackpool North Rail Station assault) or AX221/05 (for the pub assault).