A DAD-of-two was brutally beaten and had his mobile phone stolen by a gang of youths in Burnley.

Police said it was the third attack in the past 10 days near Burnley College.

The gang of men, aged between 16 and 25, are said to be responsible for attacking three different people and stealing their mobile phones.

Mark Pendlebury, 40, said he was tripped up by a gang of six Asian youths, and punched and kicked, at around 3pm on Wednesday in the wooded area at the back of the college.

He said: “I’ve got a cut nose, a black eye, and a scar just above my eye, but it was very, very scary.

“It is fairly quiet, but I never thought something like this would happen.

“It is terrifying and I dread to think what would have happened if my mum, or dad, had been walking through instead of me.

“All I could think was whether they might have had a knife.

"You just don’t know what weapons they might be carrying, or how far they will go.”

Police said the first incident took place on Saturday, July 16, when a man was attacked by a group of six, or seven, Asian youths in a subway in Gordon Street and his phone taken.

The second incident took place on Tuesday when two Asian men approached two teenage boys playing in the woods near the college.

One of the boys ran away, but the other was punched and kicked and his mobile phone taken.

DC Karen Edwards said: “These are a part of a series of appalling crimes against both young teenagers and adults going about their daily business.

“I urge anyone with any information to come forward.”

The offenders are described as Asian men, aged between 16 and 25.

The 16-year-old offenders are described as having short dark spiky hair, of medium build, and wearing black clothing.

The description of the 25-year-old offenders are one of stocky build with a shaven head and wearing a dark T.shirt, with a second man being quite tall, with dark hair, and of medium build.

This man was wearing a black top with front pockets and a hood.

DC Edwards said: “These offences are being treated as a priority by Pennine detectives and I can assure members of the community that every avenue will be explored to catch those responsible for these cowardly attacks.”

Anyone with information can contact DC Karen Edwards at Burnley CID on 01282 472142.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.