A GANG thought to have attacked two men in the centre of Nelson is being hunted by Lancashire Police.

Two different young men were targeted by the trio last Wednesday night as they walked through the town.

An 18-year-old man was kicked in the back as he walked past the Saffron Bangla restaurant in Manchester Road.

He fell to the ground and was punched and kicked by the three men before some passers-by intervened, say police.

Just a short time later a 21-year-old was walking through Place de Criel when he was also punched and kicked.

Police say all three men were Asian, and aged between 17 and 21 and an appeal for witnesses has been issued.

Det Con Dave Walker said: “These were completely unprovoked assaults on young men who were simply walking home.”

Witnesses are asked to call Pennine CID on 01282 472242, the non-emergency number on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.