A MAN was attacked by a nine-strong gang who ripped out his car's windscreen to reach him as he waited at traffic lights.

The 27 year-old man was heading back from the Blackburn Mela when two cars pulled up alongside him in Barbara Castle Way, at the junction with Whalley Range.

Nine men burst out of the vehicles at 6.30pm on Sunday and began the unprovoked attack, police said today.

Some kicked in the doors, while others partially smashed the windscreen, before physically pulling the rest of it out.

The man's terrified wife then looked on in horror as her husband was set upon. He escaped with minor bruising after traffic backed up and the gang fled.

Shocked witnesses in the traffic jam alerted police.

The husband and wife drove on for a short distance before contacting the police themselves.

Two cars were stopped by officers a short time later on the M65.

Eight men have been arrested and were yesterday being questioned by police.

Detective Sergeant Mark Evans, of Blackburn CID, said the incident was not being treated as road rage, but violent disorder.

He added: "The husband is extremely shaken by the incident. He was coming back from the Blackburn Mela with his wife and minding his own business when he was set upon.

"Although he may have known some of the people involved, the motive for the attack is completely unknown.

"There were two lines of traffic so plenty of people should have seen the incident.

"We have several males in custody help with our inquiries but we would like witnesses to come forward and help shed light on what happened."

Anyone with information should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.