A WITNESS appeal has gone out after a 17-year-old girl was hit over the head with a bottle during a night out in Burnley town centre.

The teenager needed five stitches in her head after the attack.

Police said the she was walking along Hargreaves Street with a friend around 2.15am on Thursday when the man started to verbally abuse them.

He walked up to the girls and started to punch and kick one of them and when the other tried to help her friend he pulled out a bottle and hit her over the head.

When members of the public stepped in to stop the attack the offender ran away.

He is described as white, aged between 19 and 30, 6ft tall, medium to stocky build, with a bald head.

He was wearing a grey jacket.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the attack, particularly those who stepped in to help the victims, or anyone who recognises the description of the attacker.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone Burnley CID on 01282 472144.