DETECTIVES in Pendle are appealing for witnesses to an assault on a 59-year-old man.

The incident took place at 1am on Sunday in Fleet Street, Nelson, which left the man hospitalised with head injuries.

Officers said the man was walking home after spending the evening in the Bull pub, in Nelson, when he was challenged by an Asian man in Essex Street.

The Asian man left in a dark-coloured car before returning to the 59-year-old in Fleet Street to assault him.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Holgate said: “This appears to be an unprovoked attack on a man who had been enjoying a social evening out with friends.

"We are working hard to identify the person responsible for this attack and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or has information, to contact us.”

The aggrieved was struck on a number of occasions and suffered cuts to his head and face.

He subsequently attended Burnley General Hospital where his injuries were treated before he was discharged.

The offender is described as being in his early 20s, of slim build, around 5ft 10 tall, with short dark hair, a neatly-trimmed beard and was wearing a dark tracksuit.