YOBS who beat up a teenager while filming the attack on a mobile phone are being hunted by police.

A 48-second film of the attack entitled "Emo Bashin In Darwen" has been posted on the video-sharing website YouTube.

The footage is of poor quality but shows a group of youths attacking another youth.

At the end the boy is seen lying on the floor after being kicked repeatedly.

Emo refers to fans of modern rock music which has emotional lyrics and followers typically wear tight jeans and have long fringes covering part of their face.

The incident comes after 20-year-old Sophie Lancaster died following an attack in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, last month.

It is thought she and her boyfriend Robert Maltby, 21, were targeted because of their Goth-style clothing.

Police have watched the film and have launched an investigation.

Officers will also contact YouTube bosses to try and get the footage removed.

A police spokesperson said: "We can confirm that the matter will now be investigated and if any criminal offences have occurred, we will take appropriate action.

"This type of anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and we will be contacting web administrators to get the video removed.

"I encourage anyone with information to contact the police."

According to the YouTube user who posted the video, the attack took place outside the Millstone pub in The Circus. A member of staff at the pub, which was taken over by new management three weeks ago, said such attacks would not be tolerated.

She said: "I have not seen really seen very much trouble. It doesn't seem that bad here to me.

"I have not seen anybody filming an attack but if I did I would have something to say about it. As a pub we don't tolerate violence of any sort whether it's inside or out."

Coun Dave Smith, who represents Sunnyhurst ward where the attack apparently took place, said: "There are cameras in that area so hopefully the police can get it on CCTV.

"Just because someone dresses in a certain way doesn't mean they should be picked on."