A GLASGOW Rangers football fan was stabbed 13 times in front of his wife and two young daughters after being attacked by a Celtic supporter in a South Shore street.

The victim - who was on holiday from Lanarkshire, Scotland - was returning from a family evening at the Pleasure Beach when he was approached by two men chanting Celtic songs on Simpson Street, at 12am on Easter Sunday (April 11).

Police believe he attempted to exchange friendly banter with the pair - who were carrying a bottle of highly alcoholic Buckfast wine - when the offender lunged towards him.

It was only after the second Celtic supporter dragged his companion off and the pair made their escape that the victim noticed blood coming from wounds to his chest, back and sides.

He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery.

Blackpool Police Detective Superintendent Daryl Turner said: "This is a very serious attack carried out on a father in front of his young family.

"We are keen to speak to anybody who was in the area at the time of the stabbing and who may have heard or seen it take place."

The attacker is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, with a shaven head wearing a cream Burberry-style jumper with dark sleeves.

His friend is thought to be in his late 20s, also with a shaven head, wearing dark jeans and a Celtic football shirt.

Anybody with information is asked to contact DS Turner on 01253 604082 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting crime log number 467WQ.