A MAN was seriously injured after he had a broken bottle smashed in his face in a Blackburn nightclub.

The 22-year-old from Blackburn had been out with friends when he was attacked by a gang of men in the Warehouse 1 and Cellar bar.

Detectives investigating the incident said it was a 'cowardly unprovoked' attack in the busy King Street venue.

Police said the victim had been drinking in the grade II listed building when he was approached by a group of men before being attacked at around 3.20am on Christmas Eve.

The attack was witnessed by dozens of revellers who contacted the emergency services.

The man, who suffered serious injuries to his face and ear, was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital by ambulance.

Detective Sergeant Mark Haworth-Oates, said: "This attack took place in a public place and there were lots of people in the bar at the time who would have witnessed it.

"The incident was aggravated by the use of a broken bottle and the victim is extremely lucky as his injuries could have been a lot more serious."

The victim, who has now been released from hospital, suffered cuts to his face and left ear and had to undergo surgery to the side of his head.

"This man could have been hospitalised for a lot longer. It was a cowardly unprovoked attack with a broken bottle which had very serious consequences for the victim." said DS Haworth-Oates.

Police have now launched a witness appeal and are trying to trace a group of white males Anyone with information should call Blackburn CID on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.