A MAN was knocked unconscious by a cyclist following a row in a town centre.

The 44-year-old was attempting to cross Manchester Road, in Barnoldswick, when a cyclist rode past at speed, coming from the direction of Walmsgate, almost knocking into him and his partner.

Following a brief argument between the two the cyclist got off his bicycle, and without warning attacked the victim, knocking him to the ground and causing him to lose consciousness.

The victim suffered facial fractures as a result of this attack at around 11.40pm on Friday July 12, and was treated at Bradford Hospital.

DC Steven Acres, from Burnley CID, said: “This was a very frightening incident for both the victim and his partner and as a result of this violent attack he has been left with serious facial injuries.

“It was still relatively busy in the town centre at the time and we know that some passers-by came to the victim’s assistance after the attack.

“I would appeal for them or anyone else who has any information about this incident to come forward and contact the police.”

The attacker is described as a white man, aged in his early twenties, of slim build with dark hair.

He was riding a dark-coloured mountain bike at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information can contact DC 49 Steven Acres at Pennine CID by calling 01282 472240 or on 101.

Alternatively, people with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anony-mously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.