A MAN was attacked while he was on his first night out after moving to Blackburn.

The 45-year-old man, who has not been identified by police, suffered a broken arm after trying to break up a fight.

Police are hunting a group of Asian men, but believe the motive for the attack may be robbery rather than racist as the gang stole his mobile phone.

Police believe the victim was walking along Clayton Street at 10pm on Thursday, October 14, when he tried to break up an argument between two men.

While he was intervening, he was apparently set upon by a gang of between six and a dozen Asian men, who are said to have beaten him to the ground near John's Snooker Hall.

Detective Sergeant Mick Cross of Blackburn CID said: "He was punched to the floor then punched and kicked while lying there. This resulted in a badly fractured left arm and a suspected broken nose."

The man also received lacerations to his nose, deep cuts to his chin and face and a sprained right wrist.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary for treatment, then allowed home.

A man was arrested following the incident and has now been released on police bail.

Now police are hoping witnesses may have been in the area - a busy central street - at the time of the attack and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

To help, call the police on 01254 51212.