POLICE in Darwen are appealing for witnesses after a group of youths carried out a series of "nasty attacks" in the town on Saturday night.

The first incident occurred at around 11pm after a group of young men were thrown out of the Millstone pub in Railway Road. They were then believed to have been involved in an assault upon two 18-year-old males opposite the pub.

Two men, aged 45 and 48, who witnessed the attack tried to help the two youths, but were also attacked by the gang.

They were punched and kicked in the head and body and were taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where the 45-year-old was found to be suffering from a fracture to his neck. Both have since been released from hospital.

Just after midnight, the same gang is thought to have approached an 18-year-old girl on Bolton Road, who was out with another female friend and two males. One of the men, who tried to help the girl, was set upon by the youths and suffered a number of broken ribs and injuries to his body. He was also taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary and was released two days later.

A group of five white youths were later arrested by police in Goose House Lane. All five have since been released on police bail.

Anyone with information can contact Det Sgt Critchley on 01254 353841.