A YOUNG pregnant woman enjoying a night out with her boyfriend was set upon by balaclava-clad armed robbers wielding hammers.

Police say the unprovoked attack on the couple walking home in Rawtenstall was just one incident on a night of robbery and mayhem.

Officers say they had earlier robbed shops in West Yorkshire and Rochdale, twice, before returning to Rochdale for a final robbery after the Rawtenstall attack.

The four men believed to be responsible are being hunted by police after leaving a trail of destruction across East Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester,

The young couple's ordeal began as they walked home from a night out in Rawtenstall town centre to celebrate the man's 23rd birthday on Thursday, January 15.

As they walked down Bury Road, away from the town centre, they were approached by a group of men in a T-reg green Subaru estate.

It pulled up alongside them, and one of the occupants hurled abuse at the couple, before the car drove off, went round the roundabout at the junction with Haslingden Road, and returned in their direction.

The car then pulled up and three men got out, all pulling on balaclavas, before one of them produced a hammer.

Two men then launched at the man, attacking him with fists, feet and the hammer, while the third man punched and kicked the 19-year-old mum-to-be.

After putting up what police described as 'a good fight', the male victim was then subjected to a further beating after he refused to let go of one of his attackers.

Leaving the couple lying in the road, the men return to the car, before the Subaru was driven at speed within inches of the man's legs.

The car was then seen to drive off in the direction of Haslingden Road.

DS Andy Gilbert, of Rawtenstall police, said: "This couple have been very, very lucky. They, like us, are shocked at the level of random violence. It was unprovoked, extreme, and could have led to much more serious injuries."

The pair were taken to Burnley General Hospital where they were both treated for cuts and bruises, while the woman was treated for minor head injuries. They are recovering at home.

DS Gilbert added: "We believe the attackers had earlier carried out a robbery at a shop in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, and two more in Rochdale. After this attack we believe they then returned to Rochdale for the fourth robbery of the night.

"They stole cash, cigarettes and alcohol during these raids and they appeared to be random robberies. Regarding the assault, we are hopeful that someone might have seen something. We also want to hear from a woman who rang us with the car's registration number."

The Subaru, stolen from the Wythenshawe area of Manchester, was spotted at all five incidents. Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Gilbert on 01706 237442.