POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a serious assault which left a 40-year-old man with a broken leg, black eye and concussion.

The incident happened last Saturday at 10.30pm in Fallbarn Crescent, Rawtenstall, but the sheet metal worker did not realise what had happened until he came round in hospital.

The victim, who has not been named by police, is expected to be released from Fairfield Hospital, Bury, soon but police are appealing for anyone with information about the assault to come forward.

Det Sgt Andy Gilbert said: "The man had been out at a local pub and although had had a drink was not drunk. He was walking home when he saw a 12 to 13 year old male walking towards him.

"As he walked past he said something to the man and he turned round and said something back.

"Then a 16 to 18-year-old walked up to the victim and he had a knife and started to challenge him and threaten him waving the knife around.

"The victim tried to walk round him and was punched in the face and knocked unconscious."

Only when the man came to in hospital did he realise he had broken his leg and suffered a black eye. DS Gilbert said: "It is possible he broke his leg as he fell unconscious to the floor or he suffered a beating once he had fallen. We do not know.

"I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything to contact the police. We also don't know who called the ambulance."

The first lad was described as white, 5ft, with short, thick, ginger hair with a parting and very thin.

The older teenager with the knife is described as white, thin, 5ft 8ins, dressed in black and with short dark hair.

If anyone has any information about the assault they are asked to contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237442.