THIS picture shows the horrific result of a random attack an on innocent victim.

Now police are appealing for witnesses to the savage assault in Blackburn that left a man's head "looking like a football".

Paul McPhee, 21, from the Audley area, was attacked in Rockcliffe Street, in the Infirmary area, in the early hours of Saturday, September 4.

He was walking back to his girlfriend's house, with his girlfriend, after a spending the night at a nearby pub.

Mr McPhee claims he was assaulted by a group of up to 15 men, who were also with a group of women.

He has released pictures of himself to the Evening Telegraph in a bid to get people who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.

Mr McPhee said: "I did know one of the attackers. He approached me as I was walking down the street. He said something to me but I felt threatened so we walked on. Just then something hit me on the back of the head.

"After that I just remember being kicked and punched in the face and they were jumping on my head. We reported it to the police straight away and I ended up in the hospital. My head was swollen like a big football and all my eyes were puffed up.

"I just want anyone who knows anything at all to get in touch with the police."

Mr McPhee suffered a broken nose and dislocated thumb in the assault and the vision in his left eye has also become blurred.

Det Constable Keith Rimmer, of Blackburn CID, said: " One man has been arrested and released on police bail.

"We are still seeking witnesses or anyone who lives in the street who may have seen or heard what happened."

Contact Blackburn CID on 01254 353561 or Crimestoppers in 0800 555 111.