EXTRA police are being drafted in after a gang of violent street robbers is believed to have struck for the eighth time.

Men walking alone in the early hours have been advised to either stick to main roads or get a taxi.

The latest incident happened at 8pm on Wednesday when a 35-year-old man refused to hand over his mobile phone to four men who approached him in Oakenhurst Road, Bank Top, Blackburn.

He was then beaten with a sharp weapon which left him with cuts to his face and back.

The robbers fled, leaving the man injured on the floor.

The assault happened five days after a 47-year-old man was stabbed in the same street, apparently by the same gang.

Other robberies, which are believed to be linked, happened throughout September and October in St. Phillip's Street, Shear Brow, twice in Whalley New Road, Bastwell, Carlinghurst Road, Bank Top, and also Preston Old Road. The gang, believed to be Asian, is thought to cruise around in a dark-coloured car looking for lone men to target.

They typically ask for mobile phones and cash, although in recent robberies they have seemed less insistent on obtaining goods and appeared to concentrate more on handing out violence.

Police have promised extra patrols at night in a bid to catch the gang and also to reassure the community.

Call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.