A MAN was hit over the head with a metal bar after a group of youths attacked him as he waited for a taxi with his brother.

The men had been visiting friends and were standing near shops in Within Grove, Huncoat, when the group of three or four youths assaulted them.

Police said the assault was one of two unconnected attacks in Hyndburn over the weekend.

They said a 22-year-old man was believed to have been hit over the head with a bar stool at Lar De Dars nightclub, in Eagle Street, Accrington.

The victim of the first assault was taken to hospital with a gash to the top of his head but has since been allowed home.

The 35-year-old man and his 40-year-old brother were approached by the attackers at 1.45am yesterday.

DC Mark Winstanley, of Accrington CID, said: "One of the group of youths punched the man in the face and during the subsequent argument hit him over the head with what is believed to have been a metal bar of some kind. They then ran off. This man was quite lucky after being hit on the head with a metal bar. The consequences could have been a lot more serious."

The attackers were described as about 19-years-old and from the nearby housing estate.

DC Winstanley said: "It is quite clear that people must be aware of who is responsible so if anyone does know or saw the incident we would ask them to contact us."

The 22-year-old man injured at Lar De Dars suffered head and facial injuries. He was taken to hospital for treatment and went home.

A doorman at the club was also injured.

DC Dan Perkins, of Blackburn CID, said: "There was a fight in Lar De Dars, in the cocktail bar, at around 11.45pm.

"The club was filling up for the evening, so we are asking for any witnesses who were in that room when the fight broke out to contact me."

A 22-year-old man and a 17-year-old youth were arrested nearby shortly after the incident and were due to be questioned by police today.

Witnesses to both incidents are asked to contact Blackburn CID on 01254 353564.