A FATHER of one today spoke today of how he thought he was going to die after he was attacked by a gang of youths on his way home from work.

Jamie Bibby, 26, of Limewood Close, Accrington, was left with bruises all over his body and a severe cut on his head where he was struck with a bottle.

Jamie, a gas engineer, was driving his van down Sydney Street, Accrington, when he said a group of about 10 teenagers began to cross the road and stopped in front of his van - blocking his way.

Jamie said he got out of his vehicle to ask them to move when they began to surround him before attacking him in the street. Witnesses have told police they saw Mr Bibby on the floor being kicked and punched before an ambulance crew took him to Blackburn Infirmary semi-unconscious at about 6pm on Friday.

Mr Bibby, who was released from hospital yesterday, said: "I couldn't understand what was happening.

"They were all drinking and acting cocky then they just started hitting me. I couldn't believe it when one of them hit me with a bottle.

"I really thought I was going to die at that moment. There was so much blood."

His partner, student nurse Lyndsey Hargreaves, 24, said: "It has been a horrendous weekend. Its made us want to just pack up and leave the area. It's just not what you expect to happen to you.

"I was in the local shop today and I was looking at all the groups of young lads I saw wondering if it was them that did this to Jamie."

Their son, Reece, six, had written his dad get well cards while he was in hospital and said: "I was worried about daddy."

Inspector Stuart Bruce from Blackburn police said he was appalled by the incident which he said reflected the youth nuisance in that area. But Insp Bruce reassured residents police would catch those responsible.

He said: "I think that when people hear of this they will be appalled too. Jamie is a nice hard working fella who was just going about his own business."

Insp Bruce appealed to parents urging them to ask their children where they were on Friday evening.

He added: "We are aware of the problems with youths in the area and are working hard to resolve them.

"We are advising those responsible to come forward now or prepare to be arrested very soon."

Police are appealing to witnesses who may have either seen the attack or the gang around the area to contact Accrington police on 01254 382141 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.